Grancy Greybeard ( chionanthus virginicus )

Grancy Greybeard ( chionanthus virginicus )   Chionanthus virginicus, Fringe Tree, Old Man Beard, Grancy Greybeard    A native, spreading, deciduous shrub, or sometimes small tree, with opposite, usually elliptic, glossy green leaves, to 8 inch long.  Fragrant white flowers are borne in pendant panicles, to 8 inch long, in summer: they are followed by small blue-black fruit, 1/2 inch long.  Chionanthus species are late-leafing, attractive specimen plants.  They are also suitable for a shrub border. Flowering and fruit is best in areas with long hot summer.  Remove the lower branches to encourage a tree like habit.   Mature Height : 10-15 Feet Mature Width : 10-15 Feet Exposure : Full sun to partial shade Hardiness Zones : 4-9