White Fringe Tree vs Black-Eyed Susan - TreeTime.ca

White Fringe Tree vs Black-Eyed Susan

Chionanthus virginicus

Rudbeckia hirta

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White Fringe Tree
Black-Eyed Susan

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.

Black-Eyed Susan is a striking native wildflower known for its bright yellow, daisy-like flowers with dark center disks. With deadheading, the plant can bloom for an extended period, from mid-summer to early fall. These cheerful flowers attract a variety of pollinators, including bees and butterflies. Adding to its ecological value, the plant also acts as a host for the Wavy-Lined Emerald Moth (Synchlora aerata) and the Silvery Checkerspot (Chlosyne nycteis) butterfly.

While it is typically a short-lived perennial or biennial, the plant freely self-seeds. This allows it to persist in the landscape, particularly in natural areas where it can spread and establish itself. This plant is drought-tolerant, salt-tolerant, and deer and rabbit-resistant, making it ideal for challenging environments. The Black-Eyed Susan is well suited to wildflower gardens, pollinator gardens, as well as slopes, banks, and naturalized areas

As a perennial, it dies back to the crown each winter, it will regrow from the base in the spring. Avoid disturbing the crown during late winter to ensure healthy growth the following season.

White Fringe Tree Quick Facts

Black-Eyed Susan Quick Facts

Zone: 3a
Zone: 3a
Height: 5 m (15 ft)
Height: 0.8 m (2.5 ft)
Spread: 5 m (15 ft)
Spread: 0.5 m (1.5 ft)
Moisture: normal, wet
Moisture: dry, normal
Light: partial shade, full sun
Light: full sun
Hybrid: no
Hybrid: no
Catkins: no
Catkins: no
Berries: blue to black
Flowers: fragrant, white clusters
Flowers: bright yellow; daisy-like
Growth rate: slow
Growth rate: very fast
Life span: medium
Life span: short
Maintenance: medium
Suckering: medium
Suckering: none




Other Names: american fringe tree, american fringetree, fringe tree, fringetree, north american fringe tree, white fringetree
Other Names: hairy coneflower