White Fringetree

White fringetree is an underused small tree for the Puget Sound lowlands that deserves more attention. It blooms late enough (435 GDD base 50) to avoid spring frost damage, which is a genuine advantage over many ornamental trees in our region. Growth is slow (20 feet at maturity, taking 20 years to get there), making it suitable for small lots. It tolerates wet and poorly drained soil, which is valuable in our lowlands. Male plants have showier flowers; female plants produce blue fruit that attracts birds. Disease and pest data are minimal in our system, suggesting it is relatively clean here. The main limitation is slow establishment; be patient through the first three years and water consistently. For a small flowering tree that handles our wet lowland soils and avoids the disease nightmares of Prunus and Malus, white fringetree is an excellent alternative.

— Chris Welch, ISA Certified Arborist