Common Lilac (French Lilac)
Kingdom: Plantae, Division: Angiosperms, Class: Eudicots, Order: Lamiales, Family: Oleaceae, Genus: Syringa, Species: Syringa vulgaris · Oleaceae (Olive family) · The primary specimen shown is the inflorescence (flower cluster); however, the plant produces Simple deciduous leaves that are broad and heart-shaped.
Species
Syringa vulgaris
Leaf Type
The primary specimen shown is the inflorescence (flower cluster); however, the plant produces Simple deciduous leaves that are broad and heart-shaped.
Family
Oleaceae (Olive family)
Shape
Broadly ovate to cordate (heart-shaped). The flowers in the image are tubular with four petals (lobes).
Size
Leaves are typically 2-5 inches long; the flower panicle shown is approximately 4-8 inches in length when fresh.
Margin
Entire (smooth) for leaves; flower lobes are also smooth-edged.
Arrangement
Opposite (arranged in pairs along the stem).
Rarity
Very Common (ubiquitous in temperate landscape gardening).
Color & Pattern
Dried specimen shows faded lavender/purple and brown tones; fresh leaves are medium to dark green with no variegation.
Venation Pattern
Pinnate venation in leaves; flowers show subtle central veins in lobes.
Texture & Surface
Leaves are glabrous (smooth) and somewhat leathery; the dried flower cluster is textured and brittle.
Description
A large deciduous shrub or small tree growing up to 20 feet tall. Known for its cone-shaped panicles of highly fragrant flowers that bloom in late spring. The bark is gray to brown, becoming shredded with age.
Key Features
Heart-shaped leaves, opposite branching, and terminal pyramidal panicles of fragrant, four-lobed tubular flowers.
Habitat
Well-drained, neutral to slightly alkaline soils; prefers full sun. Often found in old homestead sites and temperate gardens.
Geographic Range
Native to the Balkan Peninsula; widely naturalized throughout Europe and North America.
Condition Notes
Senescent/Dried. The specimen is a pressed herbarium-style sample. Colors have shifted to tawny browns and dull purples due to desiccation. Health grade: Fair (as a preserved specimen).
Interesting Facts
The lilac is the state flower of New Hampshire. It was a favorite of George Washington and Thomas Jefferson. The name 'Syringa' comes from the Greek 'syrinx', meaning pipe, as the wood was once used to make flutes.
Medicinal & Uses
Primarily used as an ornamental landscape plant. Essential oils are used in perfumery. The wood is dense and was historically used for small carvings or tool handles.
Ecological Role
Provides early-season nectar for butterflies and bees. Provides nesting cover for songbirds. Not highly significant for wildlife forage in North America as it is non-native.
Similar Species
Syringa persica (Persian Lilac) which has narrower leaves; Syringa reticulata (Japanese Tree Lilac) which blooms later with white flowers.
Foraging Tips
Identify in spring by the intense fragrance. Look for large multi-stemmed shrubs in old gardens. Flowers are technically edible (though often bitter) and can be used to infuse sugar.
Toxicity Warning
Non-toxic to humans and common pets, though ingestion of large quantities may cause minor digestive upset. Toxicity level: Non-toxic.