Chionanthus virginicus may be of interest.

Dax

A flowering crab may be suitable or a dwarf redbud. And Chionanthus is an excellent suggestion!

Thank you both! I spent a few hours last week trying to search for the perfect tree and I didn't come across the Chionanthus. After searching some images and reviews from other people I think this is the perfect tree. Now time to call local nurseries to see if they carry them. Thanks again.

Depending on your soil type I'd venture for a more vase shaped ornamental, like Cornus kousa, that offers fall color, blooms and doesn't leaf out so late.

In addition depending on the backdrop, ie green, I'd go for a variegated Dogwood like Summer Fun to create a focal point.

Not knocking the suggestion, I have one myself, just want to get some other ideas out there. Its takes alot of patience to get a fringe tree going as a tree as they need caliper to hold themselves up. I have an 8 year old, 4 years in the ground and its 6' tall. Grown as a single stem tree. Flops like a son of gun in heavy rains.

Thanks Whaas, that is exactly what I'm trying to do. I'm trying to find a tree to be the focal point in the garden I'm building. My soil is hard Indiana clay, it's the type of clay where I can't dig more then a few inches with a shovel unless the lawn has been watered. I was going to amend the soil like I've done with my other trees to help the tree out.

As for the Fringe tree, I read on Dave's Garden on how the flop like you described. I still have a few weeks to think and research on what I'm planting. The Kousa is definitely on the list. I called my Lowes here in town and they have a few big ones in stock. I'm going to check them out tomorrow. Thanks

Chionanthus virginicus is an under performer for me. When it was in full bloom this year I didn't even take a picture of it....and I like taking pictures. It's the last deciduous plant to leaf out for me in the Spring. So much so, that visitors ask if it's dead. Mine is grown as a 12 ft. shrub. The branching pattern is nothing to brag about and the Fall color is a so-so yellow.
I would think as a center piece you can do much better. I like whass' suggestion of a Cornus kousa.
Mike

Thanks Mike. That is a beautiful tree...is that yours?

Cal, if your clay is slightly acidic/neutral AND well draining the dogwood would do fine. Do not amend your soil....do add a layer of organic mulch though.

Yes, it's mine. I grew a lot from seeds. That's one of them.
Here's a grafted one that 's pink. It's called Cornus kousa, 'Satomi'.
Mike

Well, I love my C. kousa, but it would completely fill a 20x20 bed, leaving room only for a shade tolerant groundcover.

You're right, Laceyvail, I got carried away! I can think of a lot of trees here in Zone 8, but Cal_00's Zone 5, and design suggestions, really limits the possibilities in my world.
Mike