Is fringe tree fruit edible?
While not edible to humans, these fruits are attractive to birds. Plus, the tree attracts many pollinators, including bats. It is also the larval host plant for several species of sphinx moths. Fringetree is a small tree or shrub. The dried root and bark are used to make medicine. People take fringetree for liver and gallbladder disorders, including gallstones. They also take it to stimulate bile flow, relieve fluid retention, and as a tonic.While not edible to humans, these fruits are attractive to birds. Fringetrees are ideal for planting in urban areas due to their pollution tolerance and ability to adapt to a range of soil types.In fact, Fringe Tree is in the same botanical family as olive trees. The fruit is not edible for humans, but many of our backyard birds love it. Cardinals, Blue Jays, Catbirds, Robins, and Mockingbirds will flock to a fruiting Fringe Tree.
What is the fringe tree used for?
Herbal remedies have been made from Fringe Tree roots to treat liver, gallbladder, and other digestive ailments. Remedies using the root bark have been used as a healing poultice and for reducing inflammation of the eyes and mouth. Fringe Tree is used primarily as an ornamental/yard tree. Traditionally, Fringe Tree has been used in Native American medicine. The bark and root were employed as a remedy for liver and digestive issues, as well as for treating syphilis and other infections. Its use was also noted for treating jaundice and as a mild purgative.
Where is the best place to plant a fringe tree?
Chinese fringe tree is tolerant of a wide range of site conditions. It grows well in full sun to partial shade, can handle occasional drought or wet feet, has few pest problems, and—as mentioned—can thrive in the heat. Chinese Fringe tree can be propagated with difficulty from rooted cuttings but American Fringe tree cannot be propagated from cuttings at all. They are sometimes grafted onto Ash tree rootstock but the resulting plants are not very vigorous.
How fast does a fringe tree grow?
A North American native commonly found in upland woods and stream banks throughout most of the South, White Fringetree prefers moist, acid soil and will gladly grow in even wet soils. It grows very slowly, usually 6 to 10 inches per year, but can grow a foot per year if given rich, moist soil and plenty of fertilizer. A slow-growing, large shrub or small, deciduous ornamental tree, fringetree matures at 12 to 20 feet in height and 12 to 20 feet in width in the urban landscape. In the wild, the tree may grow 25 to 30 feet tall with a similar spread.