Chionanthus virginica, L.

Form.—A small, slender tree sometimes reaching a height of 20-30 feet; trunk short, bearing numerous stout ascending branches which form a deep, narrow crown.

Leaves.—Opposite, simple, ovate, 4-8 inches long, entire, acute at apex, glabrous.

Flowers.—May-June; complete or polygamous; white, fragrant, borne in loose and drooping graceful panicles 4-6 inches long.

Fruit.—Purple berry-like ovoid drupes, ½-¾ of an inch long, borne in drooping clusters.

Bark.—Smooth, or somewhat scaly, thin, and reddish-brown.

Wood.—Heavy, hard, close-grained, brown with thick lighter-colored sapwood.

Range.—New Jersey and southern Pennsylvania to Florida and Texas.

Distribution in West Virginia.—Found principally in the southern and eastern parts of the State but nowhere common.

Habitat.—Rich, moist soil of stream banks and swamp borders.

Notes.—The Fringe-tree is valuable only as an ornament for which its fringe-like flower clusters and dark purple fruits give it a decided value.