Arnold's Pride Chinese Fringe Tree

Arnold’s Pride is a named Chinese fringetree selection with a strong central leader, rounded crown, and spring clusters of white, lightly fragrant flowers. Its leathery green leaves turn yellow in fall, and female plants can produce blue-black fruit. The [Chicago Botanic Garden](https://www.chicagobotanic.org/plant-information/plant-finder/chionanthus-retusus-arnolds-pride-arnolds-pride-fringe-tree) identifies this selection and reports white flowers and USDA zones 6–8; [Seattle’s tree profile](https://www.seattle.gov/trees/trees-for-neighborhoods/past-plantings/chinese-fringe-tree-x162685) gives a mature height of 25–30 feet and spread of 20–25 feet. ## Flowers and foliage Fringed white blossoms appear in spring, with bloom timing varying by climate. The leaves are dark green through the growing season and turn yellow in fall. The crown and peeling bark provide structure beyond the flowering period. ## Placement Use Arnold’s Pride as a small shade tree or specimen where its broad, rounded crown can develop. It grows in full sun or part shade and flowers most heavily with good light. Allow for the documented 20–25-foot spread when siting near buildings, paths, or neighboring trees. ## Maintenance Water during establishment and extended dry periods. Keep pruning light; remove damaged or crossing branches while preserving the central leader and natural rounded outline.