Common lilac (Syringa vulgaris)

Also Known As: Lilac
Plant Family: Olive (Oleaceae)

Identification Guide: *Print version
Phenophase Field Guide: *Print version

2009 Live Map - View

Did you Know? Homesick settlers from Europe introduced common lilac. Bushes still can be seen thriving near abandoned pioneer homesteads. Ethnobotanical uses for the plant have been fever reducer, malaria treatment, perfume, tonic, and homeopathy.

Identification Hints: Common lilac is distinctive in having smooth (hairless) dark heart-shaped leaves which are arranged in opposite pairs, and twigs with opposite (lateral) buds, but no large terminal bud at the tip (so branches do not grow straight out). There are hundreds of varieties, but only a few closely related species. One (Syringa oblata) has rounded leaves (just as wide as long), and several species including the “Chinese” lilac (Syringa chinensis) which have leaves which taper at their base.

Phenological Observations of Interest: First Leaf, All Leaves Unfolded, First Flower, Full Flower, End of Flowering, First Ripe Fruit, 50% Color, 50% Leaf Fall

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2009 Live Map for Common lilac

Below you can view the latest 100 observations that have been reported in 2009 for Common lilac (If the map below is empty then there have not been any 2009 observations reported.)

Use the navigation buttons on the left to zoom in/out and pan around. Click on each place marker to get detail information about that observation.

= First Leaf
= All Leaves Unfolded
= First Flower
= Full Flower
= End of Flowering
= First Ripe Fruit
= 50% Color
= 50% Leaf Fall

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