any of a genus (Chionanthus) of the olive family; esp., a small tree (C. virginicus) native to the SE U.S., having large clusters of drooping white flowers
See fringe tree in American Heritage Dictionary 4
noun
A shrub or small tree (Chionanthus virginicus) of the southeast United States, having drooping clusters of white flowers and dark blue fruit. Also called old-man's-beard.