Classified as a small tree or shrub this plant is extremely attractive when it blooms.
Pronunciation
(ki-oh-NAN-thus)(ver-JIN-i-kus)
Plant Type
Trees Deciduous
Hardiness Zone
4(5)-9
Sunlight
full to part sun
Moisture
preferrs moist, average
Soil & Site
prefers moist, average
Flowers
male and female flowers on separate trees, male more attractive because of longer petals, dropping white fragrant panicles, each with three blooms
Fruit
fruit on female plants, blue to almost black, egg shaped drupe
Leaves
simple, opposite, green, entire margin, fall color usually not significant but can be a yellow
Dimensions
can reach 25-30 feet in the wild, under landscape conditions 12-20 feet, variable in form
Propagation
Double-stratification: Expose seeds to a period of warm (68 degrees), moist stratification for 2-3 months, during which the radicle will emerge. Follow this treatment with cool (41 degrees), moist stratification for another 2-3 months. (Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower data base)
Misc Facts
The genus name Chionanthus, meaning snow and flower, describes the blossoms. Found growing along streams and swamps.
Notes & Reference
#1-Manual of Woody Landscape Plants (Michael Dirr), #39-The Natural History of Trees (Donald Cultrose Pattie), #93-North American Landscape Trees (Arthur Lee Jacobson))