FRINGE TREE
Chionanthus virginica, L.
Form.—A small, slender tree sometimes reaching a height of 20-30 feet; trunk short, bearing numerous stout ascending branches which form a deep, narrow crown.
Leaves.—Opposite, simple, ovate, 4-8 inches long, entire, acute at apex, glabrous.
Flowers.—May-June; complete or polygamous; white, fragrant, borne in loose and drooping graceful panicles 4-6 inches long.
Fruit.—Purple berry-like ovoid drupes, ½-¾ of an inch long, borne in drooping clusters.
Bark.—Smooth, or somewhat scaly, thin, and reddish-brown.
Wood.—Heavy, hard, close-grained, brown with thick lighter-colored sapwood.