Loropetalum chinense (R. Br.) Oliv.

Chinese fringe tree

Shrub

Perennial

Vascular

Native of SE Asia, China.

Chinese fringe tree is an introduced evergreen (semi-deciduous in colder locations) shrub or small tree in the Witch-Hazel family (Hamamelidaceae). It is native to China, northern India, and Japan. In the United States it is often planted as an ornamental for its showy flowers. In Alabama it has been collected as an escape in the southern half of the state. Chinese fringe tree grows as a multi-stemmed shrub or small tree to 9-20 feet in height. The young branches are stellate pubescent. Leaves are petiolate, alternate, ovate to elliptic in outline, with an asymmetrical base and entire margins. The leaves are dark green above and sparsely pubescent or glabrescent and light green and densely stellate pubescent below. Flowers are produced in 3-16 flowered racemes on short lateral branches. Each flower has 4-5 ovate, pubescent sepals and 4-5 drooping strap-like petals. The petals are white, pale yellow, or red in color. The ovary is inferior and is enclosed in a persistent floral cup. The fruit is a stellate pubescent capsule enclosed 2/3--3/4 by the floral cup. The fruit is explosively dehiscent, shooting the seed several feet as the capsules dry out. Two varieties of Chinese fringe tree are cultivated in the United States. Loropetalum chinense var. chinense has green foliage and white or yellowish flowers, and Loropetalum chinense var. rubrum has purplish foliage and pink or red flowers. Chinese fringe tree is widely available from nurseries. It grows best grown in rich, well-drained soils in full sun to part shade.—A. Diamond

Not Native

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