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White fringetree identification: leaves, bark, fruit and twigs
White fringetree, Chionanthus virginicus, is a native tree in Pennsylvania. How to recognize it by its leaves, bark, fruit and twigs, and how to tell it from look-alikes.
Opposite, simple leaves with smooth edges. Thick, smooth-edged oval leaves 4 to 8 inches long, in pairs (sometimes not quite opposite). Bark: Dark gray-brown, becoming furrowed with reddish scales. Checked Nov. 14, 2026.
How to identify white fringetree
| Leaf type | Opposite, simple leaves with smooth edges |
|---|---|
| Leaves | Thick, smooth-edged oval leaves 4 to 8 inches long, in pairs (sometimes not quite opposite). |
| Bark | Dark gray-brown, becoming furrowed with reddish scales. |
| Fruit | Dark blue to nearly black oval fruit about 3/4 inch long with one big seed, ripe in late summer. |
| Twigs | Ashy gray twigs with scattered warty dots. |
| Size and shape | Small tree or large suckering shrub up to about 25 feet; very fragrant white flowers with four long, narrow petals. |
From the Virginia Tech Dendrology fact sheet, in our own words.
Is white fringetree native to Pennsylvania?
The Pennsylvania Natural Heritage Program (PNHP) lists white fringetree as native to Pennsylvania.
See all 140 trees, with a 4-question identifier, in our Pennsylvania tree identification guide.
Trees that look like white fringetree
| Tree | Its leaves |
|---|---|
| Green ash Fraxinus pennsylvanica | Opposite, compound leaves. Compound leaves 6 to 9 inches long with 7 to 9 toothed, narrow leaflets, smooth or silky underneath. |
Compare the leaves first, then the bark, fruit and twigs on each tree’s page.
Questions
How do you identify white fringetree?
Look for opposite, simple leaves with smooth edges. Thick, smooth-edged oval leaves 4 to 8 inches long, in pairs (sometimes not quite opposite). Bark: Dark gray-brown, becoming furrowed with reddish scales.
Is white fringetree native to Pennsylvania?
The Pennsylvania Natural Heritage Program (PNHP) lists white fringetree as native to Pennsylvania.
How big does white fringetree get?
Small tree or large suckering shrub up to about 25 feet; very fragrant white flowers with four long, narrow petals.
How can you tell white fringetree in winter?
Check the twigs and bark. Twigs: Ashy gray twigs with scattered warty dots. Bark: Dark gray-brown, becoming furrowed with reddish scales.
What tree looks like white fringetree?
Green ash. Compare the leaves first.
Sources: Virginia Tech Dendrology (Chionanthus virginicus fact sheet); Pennsylvania Natural Heritage Program, PA Vascular Plant List (native or introduced status). Checked Nov. 14, 2026.
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