Common Lilac
Syringa vulgaris · Oleaceae (Olive family)
AI-generated identification · may be incorrect
Leaf Morphology
Leaf Type
Simple, deciduous
Shape
Ovate to cordate (heart-shaped at the base) with an acuminate (tapering to a sharp point) tip
Margin
Entire (smooth edges)
Arrangement
Opposite
Venation
Pinnate with a prominent central midrib and looping secondary veins
Key Features
Opposite leaf arrangement, distinctly heart-shaped (cordate) base, smooth margins, and an acuminate tip coupled with prominent opposite branching patterns on the woody stems
Description
The common lilac is a popular deciduous shrub or small tree known for its intensely fragrant spring blooms that come in shades of purple, lavender, pink, and white. The leaves are characteristically heart-shaped with smooth margins, providing a lush green canopy throughout the spring and summer before dropping in autumn.
Habitat
Thrives in full sun to partial shade, preferring well-drained, fertile, neutral to slightly alkaline soils; often found in temperate zones
Native Range
Native to the Balkan Peninsula in Southeastern Europe, but widely cultivated and naturalized throughout temperate North America, Europe, and parts of Asia