I loved your story; and now I'll think of it every time the fringe trees bloom. It may be awhile yet before they do, however; I just planted two seedlings a few days ago. Incredible timing for this article, isn't it?

Incredible, yes. But then it's a good time to plant a fringe tree!!

I'm so glad you did, Chelle, they'll be beautiful in your already wonderful gardens.

I enjoyed the sweet story about your favorite aunt and such a beautiful tree. I'll have to see if it's hardy in this area. I don't think I've ever seen one before.

It is a beautiful tree, Bubbles. Hope it will grow for you.

Me too!

I thought about taking a picture of mine on planting day, but they just look like sticks at this point. Then, just a moment ago I thought, well, it might be cool to one day look at those "sticks" and compare them to the mature trees. That would probably spark another walk down Memory Lane. I'll do it tomorrow.

Do it, Chelle!

I loved the Fringe Tree story Sharon. I was just sad it ended so soon. Do you remember what part of the tree Aunt Bett needed?

They have been planting them in Salem for some years now along some of the streets in town. They really are a beautiful tree. : )

She used the bark, Lynn, boiled it down. Saved the 'tea' and then smashed the boiled bark to use as a poultice.

And it's good to know they are using them as ornamental trees. I can see how beautiful they'd be blooming all in a row. They are gorgeous trees. (Forgot to say that up there, I was too busy visualizing them lining the street.)

That was the first time I had ever seen a Fringe Tree, on my way home from work one beautiful spring day. What a sight it was with them all in a row.

I'd never thought of it.
Sure is pretty in my mind.

Great story Sharon.

When we first moved here, one of the locals that was well into her 80's told us at the front of our property, down by the road was a fringe tree that she enjoyed every year when it was in bloom. She also called it "old man's beard". I had never heard of it and it is beautiful when it blooms.

Might have to get some bark and boil it down for my arthritic hands

Glad you have one of them, Vic.
At the rate I'm going, I'll need some of the bark too.

How do you harvest the bark without damaging the tree?

You don't take it all from one place and you don't need very much.

Got it. Now to find a Fringe Tree here in Dallas.

I bought some White Fringe trees from Samantha this spring and they were so nice. I gave severa; away and kept a couple also. It is a pretty little tree. Sharron What at wonderful storey. Loved it and you and Aunt Bett for the adventure.
Way to go!!! Girlfriend...

Dear Sharon, I loved this story. Now that I am finding time to read your stories, I seem to be typing those words a lot. Thank you for sharing...

Thanks, Ladies.