Chionanthus

Marvelous landscape specimen with three season interest. Creamy white, fragrant, trailing blossoms cascade in airy bouquets to decorate the tree in lacy patterns in May as it leafs out, followed by showy fruit drooping in open clusters on the female plants. The large, elliptical leaves turn bright yellow in the fall. Slower growing, but low maintenance with a spreading rounded habit as wide as it is high and a multi-stemmed trunk. Prefers moist, rich woods but tolerant of pollution and city conditions. Clusters of olive-like blue, black fruit are food for birds and wildlife as well as the cover the tree provides. No serious disease or insect problems.