Fringetree

Chionanthus virginica L.

Other common names: American fringetree, white fringe, flowering ash, poison ash, graybeard tree, old-man's-beard, shavings, snowdrop tree, snowflower.

Habitat and range: The fringetree is found in moist thickets and along streams from Delaware to Florida and Texas.

Description: The fringetree is from 6 to 20 feet in height, with the trunk covered with a light-colored bark. It has smooth entire leaves. The white flowers, which from their drooping character give a fringelike appearance, are produced in May and June, are borne in dense clusters, and are followed by fleshy, bluish-black fruits containing a 1-seeded nut.

Part used: The bark of the root.