Common Lilac
Syringa vulgaris · Deciduous multi-stemmed shrub or small tree, hardwood
Plant Family
Oleaceae
Tree Category
Ornamental, Flowering
Variety / Cultivar
Standard species type
Hardiness Zones
USDA Hardiness Zones 3 through 7, tolerating cold winters and requiring a period of winter chill to set flower buds.
About This Tree
A large deciduous shrub or small multi-stemmed tree with an upright, somewhat rounded, and spreading form. Features dense foliage, numerous slender upright stems rising from the base, and intensely fragrant spring blossoms.
Leaf Characteristics
Simple, opposite leaves, heart-shaped (cordate) to ovate, 2 to 5 inches long, smooth margins, medium to dark green in summer with little notable fall color.
Bark Characteristics
Gray to gray-brown bark that is smooth on young stems and becomes longitudinally furrowed and shredding with age.
Growing Information
Origin Region
Southeastern Europe and the Balkan Peninsula; widely naturalized across temperate regions worldwide
Growing Season
Leafs out in early spring, produces fragrant flowers in mid-to-late spring, retains foliage through summer, and drops leaves in autumn after entering dormancy
Sunlight & Water Needs
Requires full sun for best flowering and moderate, regular watering during establishment. Prefers well-drained soils and has moderate drought tolerance once established.
Mature Size
Typically reaches 8 to 15 feet in height with a spread of 6 to 12 feet, growing at a moderate rate with a lifespan of several decades.
Special Characteristics
Highly valued for its exceptional floral fragrance, ornamental spring blooms, and good resistance to urban pollution, though susceptible to powdery mildew in humid conditions.
Wildlife & Ecology
Attracts pollinators such as butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds during its heavy spring bloom period, and offers nesting cover for small birds.