fringe tree

noun

1. a shrub or small tree, Chionanthus virginicus, of the olive family, native to the southern U.S., bearing open clusters of white flowers with long, narrow petals.

fringe tree

noun

1. either of two ornamental oleaceous shrubs or small trees of the genus Chionanthus , of North America and China, having clusters of white narrow-petalled flowers

Word History and Origins

Origin of fringe tree¹

An Americanism dating back to 1720–30

Example Sentences

The flowers of trees give names to tulip tree, silver-bell tree, and fringe tree.

From Project Gutenberg

One of its most charming relatives is the little fringe tree of our own woods.

From Project Gutenberg