The LEAVES are thin, [simple], [opposite], 2½ to 4 inches long, 1 to 1½ inches wide, pointed at both ends, yellowish-green on the upper surface, paler on the lower surface, and slightly toothed above the middle.
The FLOWERS appear in April before the leaves. They are of two kinds, borne separately on the same tree, rather small and in clusters.
The [FRUIT], a [drupe], falls when ripe in May or June. It is about 1 inch long and ¼ inch wide, [oblong], and tipped with a point. The ripe fruit is deep purple, and contains a tough, dry pulp and a one-seeded stone.
The WOOD is close-grained, yellowish-brown, weak, and rather soft. It has no economic use.
FRINGETREE (White Fringetree)
Chionanthus virginicus L.
Children give this tree, with its drooping, fringy, white flowers, such names as “grancy-gray beard” and “old-man’s beard.” Beautiful both in flower and [fruit], it is a desirable tree for ornamental planting. It occurs naturally in loamy soil over the eastern part of the state to the valley of the Brazos River and generally grows in the shade of other trees.
FRINGETREE (Flower, three-fourths natural size; leaf and [fruit], one-half natural size)
The [BARK] is similar to that of a young ash, but is rougher and whiter. It has tonic properties, and is used in domestic remedies.
The rather large, [ovate] LEAVES are 4 to 8 inches long, and ½ to 4 inches wide, dark green on the upper surface, paler underneath, and turning a clear bright yellow in autumn. The leaves are [opposite], and leave conspicuous scars when they fall.