Nannyberry vs White Fringe Tree - TreeTime.ca

Nannyberry vs White Fringe Tree

Viburnum lentago

Chionanthus virginicus

NOT AVAILABLE THIS SEASON

NOT AVAILABLE THIS SEASON

(new stock expected: fall of 2026)

Nannyberry
White Fringe Tree

Nannyberry is a hardy shrub known for attracting wildlife. Its clusters of white flowers and tasty berries are suitable for bees, birds, and other animals.

Nannyberry is also used in urban yards and landscaping. This shrub makes a beautiful ornamental and is small enough to grow underneath power lines. Its berries can be eaten fresh or used in baking and preserves.

Makes a great hedge or privacy screen in an urban yard. Often has great red fall color to complement its spring flowers.

Note: This species is currently unavailable. Grow your own using Nannyberry seeds at SeedTime.ca.

White Fringe Tree is known for its fringe-like white flowers. It can either grow as a small tree or a large multistemmed shrub. The White Fringe Tree has separate male and female plants. Both male and female flowers have white fringe-like petals, but the male flowers are longer and showier. The female flowers give way to clusters of dark blue to black berries. These berries are not edible for humans but attract birds and other wildlife.

The White Fringe Tree is tolerant of clay soils, saline soils, and air pollution but does not do well in prolonged dry conditions.

Nannyberry Quick Facts

White Fringe Tree Quick Facts

Zone: 2b
Zone: 3a
Height: 5 m (15 ft)
Height: 5 m (15 ft)
Spread: 3 m (10 ft)
Spread: 5 m (15 ft)
Moisture: any
Moisture: normal, wet
Light: partial shade, full sun
Light: partial shade, full sun
Hybrid: no
Hybrid: no
Catkins: no
Catkins: no
Berries: red to purple
Berries: blue to black
Flowers: white
Flowers: fragrant, white clusters
Bark: gray and scaly
Growth rate: medium
Growth rate: slow
Life span: short
Life span: medium
Suckering: medium
Suckering: medium




Other Names: sheepberry, sweet viburnum
Other Names: american fringe tree, american fringetree, fringe tree, fringetree, north american fringe tree, white fringetree