White Fringe Tree vs Showy Aster - TreeTime.ca

White Fringe Tree vs Showy Aster

Eurybia conspicua

Chionanthus virginicus

CUSTOM GROW

NOT AVAILABLE THIS SEASON - MIGHT RETURN

Showy Aster
White Fringe Tree

Showy Aster is a native perennial wildflower recognized for its tall stems topped with clusters of light purple blooms. Blooming from late summer into autumn, it provides an important late-season source of nectar and pollen for pollinators. It also produces seeds that are eaten by birds, extending its value to wildlife beyond the flowering season.

Drought tolerant once established, Showy Aster grows well in urban, rural, and disturbed sites. With its mix of ecological value and ornamental appeal, it is ideal for pollinator gardens, naturalization projects, and ecological restoration.

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.

Showy Aster Quick Facts

White Fringe Tree Quick Facts

Zone: 2b
Zone: 3a
Height: 0.6 m (2.0 ft)
Height: 5 m (15 ft)
Spread: 0.5 m (1.5 ft)
Spread: 5 m (15 ft)
Light: partial shade, full sun
Light: partial shade, full sun
Moisture: any
Moisture: normal, wet
Growth rate: fast
Growth rate: slow
Life span: short
Life span: medium
Growth form: upright, colony-forming
Spreading: rhizomes - medium, seeds - medium
Suckering: medium


Flowers: purple-blue, with yellow centers
Flowers: fragrant, white clusters
Bloom time: late summer to early fall
Berries: blue to black
Hybrid: no
Hybrid: no
Catkins: no
Catkins: no


Native to: AB, BC, SK, MB
Other Names: western showy aster
Other Names: american fringe tree, american fringetree, fringe tree, fringetree, north american fringe tree, white fringetree