Arkansas Tree Database

Scientific name:

Chionanthus Virginicus

Size:

20'-30' tall by as wide

Leaves:

opposite, simple, 4"-8" long, narrowly oblong, untoothed

Flowers:

dramatic lacy white flower with strap-like petals, in drooping clusters, 6"-8" long, fragrant; mid-April

Fruit:

dark blue olive-shaped fruit (called a drupe), eaten by wildlife

Fall Interest:

bright yellow; deciduous

Culture:

sun to partial shade; moist, fertile, well-drained soil; adaptable; even flowers well in shade

Disease/Insect:

can be targeted by emerald ash borer

Use:

woodland landscape, small flowering tree tolerant of urban conditions

Cultivars:

Notes:

large multi-stemmed shrub or small tree; bark sometimes used as tonic, diuretic, and skin astringent; scientific name Chionanthus is from the Greek and means snow flower; native to Arkansas