Syringa vulgaris
The Common Lilac is a popular traditional plant with striking flowers. These blooms make for lovely flower arrangements. It is best planted in areas with good air circulation to reduce powdery mildew problems. They also tolerate road salt and exposed windy sites.
| Growth Rate | Fast |
| Mature Size | 8-20' tall, 6-12' spread |
| Soil | Most soils preferring neutral to slightly acidic soils; well-drained |
| Light | Full to partial sun |
| Leaves | Simple, ovate 2-4" long |
| Flower & Fruit | Fragrant flowers are mostly white, lilac or purple in clusters called a panicle; fruit is capsules with flat winged seeds |
| Benefits | Ideal old-fashioned shrub for screens, tall hedges or specimen plants. Green dye is obtained from the flowers and leaves, and a yellow-orange dye is obtained from the twigs. Essential oil collected from the flowers is used in perfume fragrances. Bark and leaves have been chewed as a treatment for sore mouth. |