White Fringetree (aka Old-man's-beard)

Long-blooming and fragrant, Fringetrees have a flower that is eye-catchingly different from our usual spring bloomers.  It's a small and fairly slow-growing multi-stemmed tree or large shrub reaching 12-20' in height and spread.  It'll hold its own along a foundation or flanking a garden arbor where its fragrance will greet passersby for the better part of a month - usually late May through June. Birds love the small, dark blue fruit which develop August - September. 

Fringetrees are easy to grow being tolerant of soil conditions ranging from moist to somewhat dry. And, they are generally untroubled by insects or disease. Though native from Southern New Jersey to Florida, they are hardy Zones 4-9.

 It's a graceful, underused tree that deserves some more attention.