The Chinese Fringe Tree is not the only type of fringe tree. Instead, there are many species that belong to the same genius, Chionanthus, and can have the term “fringe tree” as part of their common name. With that said, there are generally two species in this group that are the most popular among gardeners. The first is the Chinese Fringe Tree, which hails from Asia, and the second is Chionanthus virginicus, which is native to North America.