Name
Common Lilac
Scientific Name
Syringa vulgaris
Wildlife Value
Fair
Average height
11'
Origin
Not Native
Shade Tolerance
Intolerant
Drought Tolerance
Good
Growth Rate
Moderate
Fruit
Seed
Special Characteristics
Lavender Flowers
Seedling Size
12" to 18"
 
 
General Description
It is a large deciduous shrub or multi-stemmed small tree, producing secondary shoots ("suckers") with stem diameters of up to 20 cm from the base or roots, which in the course of decades may produce a small clonal thicket.
 
Pests 
Potential disease pests include several types of leaf sports and blights; insect pests include lilac borer, caterpillars, scales and leaf miners. Extract from Syringa species are toxic to various insect pests. A powdery mildew called Erysiphe syringae can also form.
 
Uses
Common Lilac is a very common ornamental plant in gardens and parks, because of the attractive, sweet smell of its flowers.