White Fringe Tree

White fringetree is a small deciduous native tree prized for airy, white spring flowers and an open, rounded crown. Its late-season fruit can feed birds when female flowers are pollinated, and its foliage often turns yellow in fall. ## Siting and growth Plant in full sun for the heaviest flowering, or give it afternoon shade where summers are hot. The [University of Florida IFAS profile](https://ask.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/ST161) describes a 12–20-foot tree with a 10–15-foot spread, fragrant spring flowers, and USDA hardiness from zones 3 through 9. It grows in moist soil, including clay and wet sites, and benefits from shelter from strong wind. Allow room for its mature canopy and avoid prolonged drought while it establishes. ## Seasonal character The flowers appear in loose clusters after many flowering trees have finished. Female plants may develop blue-black drupes; fruit set depends on having compatible flowering plants nearby. The [University of Illinois Extension profile](https://web.extension.illinois.edu/shrubselector/detail_plant.cfm?PlantID=335) also describes the species as a large shrub or small tree and lists late-spring flowers and yellow fall color. ## Maintenance Prune lightly to remove damaged or crossing branches, ideally before the tree becomes large. Water new plantings regularly through establishment, then check soil moisture during extended dry weather. Avoid unnecessary root disturbance when transplanting.