Binhai's fringetrees now in full bloom

Fringetrees erupt into full bloom in Taifeng Park in Binhai New Area, Tianjin. [Photo/WeChat account: tjbhxqfb]

As April comes to a close, the beloved fringetrees have made their annual appearance in Binhai New Area.

The pure white blossoms at Taifeng Park enchant visitors, many of whom stopped to take photos in the fringetree grove.

Also known as "April snow", the plant gets its name from the delicate, fringe-shaped petals of its snow-white blossoms.

When in full bloom, the trees are covered in silver threads, looking like snow from a distance and like broken pieces of jade up close. In Binhai New Area, the best viewing period is from late April to early May, offering a true feast for the eyes.

Growing such sizable fringetrees is no easy task. According to Sun Wanru, a senior landscape engineer at Tianjin TEDA Eco-Environment Technology Group, the species is a second-class nationally protected plant in China, characterized by slow natural growth, low germination rates, and limited wild resources.

It typically takes eight to 10 years for a seed to develop into a tree with a trunk diameter of about 10 centimeters. Under suitable conditions, fringetrees can live up to a thousand years. The specimens in Taifeng Park are around 50 years old, making them a cherished local attraction.