How to identify Common lilac (Syringa vulgaris)

How to identify Common lilac (Syringa vulgaris)

Common lilac, also known as French lilac

Common lilac is distinguished by its perfumed panicles of flowers blooming in late spring. These blossoms, ranging from single to double forms, exhibit hues from white to various shades of pink and purple. The flowers, dense and showy, can reach lengths of up to 7 inches (18 cm), emitting a strong, sweet scent. Its foliage, comprised of heart-shaped leaves up to 5 inches (13 cm) long, turns from vibrant green to yellowish in the fall. Typically, common lilac grows as a bushy shrub or small tree up to 15 feet (4.5 m) tall.

Lifespan: Perennial

Plant Type: Shrub, Tree

Leaf Type: Deciduous

Quickly Identify Common lilac

Fragrant panicles of flowers with hues from white to pink and purple, up to 7 inches (18 cm) long.

Heart-shaped leaves, 2-5 inches (5-12 cm) in length, dark grey-green to blue-green, with visible veins.

Smooth, flattened fruit capsules, around 3/4 inch (2 cm) wide, splitting into two segments with four seeds each.

Stout, angled stem with 4-sided shape on newer growth, lustrous brown, reaching lengths of 2 feet (60 cm) or more.

Light grey-brown bark with raised lenticels, leaf scars, slightly rough texture; distinctive among deciduous shrubs.

Detailed Traits of Common lilac

Leaf Features

The leaves of common lilac are heart-shaped and arranged oppositely on the stem, typically measuring around 2-5 inches (5-12 cm) in length. They are simple, with a pointed (acuminate) tip and a flat (truncate) base. The margins are smooth (entire), and the leaves exhibit a dark grey-green to blue-green color. The texture is smooth and hairless (glabrous), with clearly visible veins that enhance their structural appearance.

Leaf Shape

Ovate ,

Cordate

Leaf Type

Simple

Leaf Base

Cordate ,

Truncate

Leaf Arrangement

Opposite

Leaf Apex

Acuminate

Leaf Margin

Entire

Learn About the Leaf Glossary

Flower Features

The inflorescence of common lilac is a panicle of cymes, conical and typically paired, growing up to 8 inches (20 cm). The numerous flowers display a range of colors including lilac, blue, mauve, lavender, white, and pink, and are known for their strong fragrance. Each flower features a tubular corolla with four spreading lobes, a short tubular calyx with four teeth, a pistil with a single style, and two stamens. They usually bloom in late spring to early summer.

Corolla Type

Tubular

Inflorescence Type

Panicle

Learn About the Flower Glossary

Stem Features

The stem of common lilac is stout and angled, featuring a characteristic 4-sided shape on newer growth. It is lustrous brown and glabrous, with small raised lenticels. As the stem ages, it becomes longitudinally furrowed, flaking, and turns to a grey color. Older stems present a rougher texture with distinct grooves and ridges, while younger stems retain a smoother surface. These stems provide a robust framework, often reaching lengths of approximately 2 feet (60 cm) or more.

Learn About the Stem Glossary

Fruit Features

The fruit of common lilac is a capsule that presents as smooth, flattened, and exhibits dehiscence, measuring around 3/4 inch (2 cm) across. These capsules appear in substantial panicles at the extremities of branches, showcasing initial green hues that transition to brown as maturity is reached. Structurally, the fruit splits into two distinct segments and each one houses four seeds, rounding off its distinctive reproductive characteristics.

Fruit Type

Capsule

Learn About the Fruit Glossary

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Common lilac and Their Similar Plants

Late Lilac vs. Common lilac: What's The Difference?

Late Lilac (Syringa villosa) is also known as “Late Lilac” because it blossoms later in the season than the common lilac. It’s a shrub that can grow up to 4 m tall and has flowers that can be purple, red, white, or pink. Late Lilac is indigenous to Korea, eastern Russia, and northern China.

Dwarf korean lilac vs. Common lilac: What's The Difference?

Dwarf korean lilac is a spreading woody perennial. Urban gardeners particularly favor this plant, mainly because of its propensity to grow in urban conditions. The word pubescens within the scientific name translates to "downy," which was allocated due to the downy texture of the plant's leaves.

Japanese tree lilac vs. Common lilac: What's The Difference?

The japanese tree lilac is a fragrant flowering tree native to northern China that is perfect for the garden or street. With full sun and moderate water, its masses of small blooms will appear in early summer and emit a pleasant scent. Though the japanese tree lilac is relatively hardy on the whole, the flowers are susceptible to late frosts.

Manchurian lilac vs. Common lilac: What's The Difference?

Manchurian lilac is an attractive lilac with characteristic white flowers tinged with blue. It blooms in late spring and early summer and is a popular garden shrub for its showy and abundant flowers, which have a spicier fragrance than regular lilac. This lilac has better resistance to mildew than other species and grows well in pH-neutral, well-drained soil.

Syringa reticulata subsp. pekinensis vs. Common lilac: What's The Difference?

Famous for both their intoxicating aroma and their beautiful colors (they usually come in shades of purple, but can also be white or pink), syringa reticulata subsp. pekinensis are a mainstay at parks and gardens around the world. Symbolic of love in many cultures, syringa reticulata subsp. pekinensis are also featured in poetry.

Syringa oblata vs. Common lilac: What's The Difference?

Syringa oblata is a deciduous shrub renowned for its early-blooming lilac flowers, which emit a sweet fragrance. Broad heart-shaped leaves and a rounded growth habit characterize this plant, typically thriving in temperate climates. Its flowers, ranging from pale purple to lilac-pink, form dense clusters that attract pollinators and are a harbinger of spring.

Syringa reticulata subsp. amurensis vs. Common lilac: What's The Difference?

Syringa reticulata subsp. amurensis is a deciduous shrub or small tree recognized for its panicles of creamy white, fragrant flowers that bloom in early summer. Distinguished by its peeling, golden-brown bark and pointed, oval leaves, syringa reticulata subsp. amurensis thrives in well-drained, neutral to alkaline soil, tolerating cold climates. Its striking flower clusters attract pollinators, while its overall hardiness enables survival in diverse environments.

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Key Facts About Common lilac

Attributes of Common lilac

Lifespan

Perennial

Plant Type

Shrub, Tree

Plant Height

6 m to 7 m

Spread

1.8 m to 3.5 m

Leaf Color

Green

Flower Size

6 mm to 1 cm

Flower Color

Pink

Purple

White

Blue

Red

Violet

Cream

Lavender

Fruit Color

Brown

Copper

Stem Color

Green

Brown

Pink

Blue

Leaf type

Deciduous

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Scientific Classification of Common lilac

Phylum

Vascular plants

Class

Dicotyledons

Order

Mints plantains olives and allies

Family

Olive

Genus

Lilacs

Species

Common lilac (Syringa vulgaris)

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Distribution Map of Common lilac

Common lilac is native to the Balkan region of Europe, where it can be found growing on rocky hillsides. This plant has also been cultivated throughout much of the world as an ornamental.

Native

Cultivated

Invasive

Potentially invasive

Exotic

No species reported

Learn More About the Common lilac

A Comprehensive Guide to Common lilac How to Grow and Care for Common lilac