How to Identify the Fringe Tree

Leaf Identification

The leaves of the Fringe Tree are 3″ to 8″ long with an elliptical shape and a smooth margin. Noticeably, the lateral veins do not reach the margin. They are a lustrous medium green and turn yellow in fall.

  • Leaf of Arbor Walk #33
  • Underside of Leaf from Arbor Walk #33
  • Leaf (Fall) of Arbor Walk #33
  • Leaf (Fall) of Arbor Walk #33

Twig and Bud Identification

The Fringe Tree is oppositely arranged, meaning each leaf attaches to the stem opposite of another. The twig is not zig zag and is light green before maturing to a light gray. Miniscule dark lenticels are visible on the twig surface. Buds protrude both laterally and terminally, and are reddish brown.

  • Twig of Abor Walk #33
  • Flower Buds of Arbor Walk #33
  • Buds of Arbr Walk #33

Bark Identification

The Fringe Tree has slightly ridged, grayish-brown bark.

  • Bark of Arbor Walk #33
  • Trunk of Arbor Walk #33

Fruit Identification

The fruit of the Fringe Tree is a 1/2″ long, bluish drupe, resembling an olive (as they are in the Olive family). They ripen at the end of summer.

  • Fruit of Arbor Walk #33

Flower Identification

The flowers of the Fringe Tree are white. They are in fleecey clusters of 4 strap-like petals. They bloom in late spring.

  • Flowers of Arbor Walk #33