Fringe Trees are trees in the genus Chionanthus of the olive family. Other members of the olive family include olive trees, ash trees, and privets. There are about 150 species of fringe trees, but only one is commonly planted in Woodland.
Chinese Fringe Tree (Chionanthus retusus) is a deciduous tree from Asia. It usually grows to about 70 feet tall. Chinese Fringe Trees are usually male or female, but occasional Chinese Fringe Trees bear male and female flowers on the same tree. Only male flowers produce pollen, but the male trees are ranked 8 out of 10 on the Ogren Plant Allergy Scale, indicating that they tend to cause fairly severe hay fever. They typically bloom from about May through July, so if you suffer from hay fever during those months, Chinese Fringe Trees could be the culprits. The City of Woodland has planted Chinese Fringe Trees in Jack Slaven Park, Pioneer Park, Ralph Harris Park, William Crawford, Sr., Park, and Woodside Park. The city has also planted them as street trees on 1st Street, 2nd Street, 3rd Street, 4th Street, 6th Street, Beamer Street, Bush Street, Cleveland Street, College Street, County Road 102, Elliot Street, Elm Street, North Street, Oak Avenue, and Pioneer Avenue.
