Fringetrees are most common in Scioto County, along rugged ravines and the lower slopes of larger streams. Fringetrees are small, deciduous trees or large shrubs with scaly winter buds. Bundle scars are in a circular pattern. Side buds are globular with four to five pairs of bud scales. Branches are spreading, stout, and somewhat smooth with gray to greenish brown bark.
Leaves are opposite and large with entire leaf margins.
Leaves are borne mostly near the upper ends of the twigs. Foliage is dark green and shiny above and paler beneath. The leaves are leathery to the touch. Fringetrees are likely to be the last plant to leaf out in the spring and are long-lived trees. Flowers are white and, when in full bloom, are strikingly attractive with drooping, fringed, or feathery blossoms.