This week in the arboretum you can observe the beautiful, blue fruits of the fringe trees (
Chionanthus virginicus). The best viewing location is on the west side of the Fitness Center. There you'll find a grouping of fringe trees with heavily ornamented branches. Fringe tree fruits resemble olives, and they look good enough to eat. Unfortunately, these fruits are inedible. Removal of the outer blue covering reveals a single inedible seed.
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| In 2002, four Caddo parish seedlings were planted near the Fitness Center along the concrete drainage. Over the years, the four individuals have grown together, forming a bush. The Fitness Center blocks the morning sun, but in the afternoon, this is very sunny spot. |
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| Looking westward, we see the gradual slope leading up to Cline Hall dormitory. A bald cypress (Taxodium distichum) is pictured to the left of the fringe trees, and on the right side of the frame, we see the outstretched limbs of a pond cypress (Taxodium ascendens). All three species appreciate the extra water that runs down the hill. |
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| After more than 15 years in the ground, the fringe trees are still small, with slender trunks. A couple of the individuals could be pruned back to a single-stem form, but overall the individuals have multi-stemmed forms, resembling shrubs rather than trees. |
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| Fringe trees have dark green leaves which will make it difficult to see the fruits from afar. In order to appreciate the subtle beauty of the innumerable fruits, you will need to get up close and personal with the trees. |
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| The ovoid fruits resemble fresh olives. |
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| Fringe tree fruits hang from long panicles. |
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| Fruits measure approximately half an inch in length. |
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| Some fruits are a little larger, measuring over half an inch. |
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| Each fruit is a drupe. A little liquid is released when squeezing the fruit, and after the blue covering is removed, a single, large seed is revealed. |
You can find more photos of the arboretum's fringe trees
here.
For more information about this species consult the following:
United States Department of Agriculture
Texas A&M University (Aggie Horticulture)
NC State University
University of Florida (IFAS Extension)
