Lilac

Lilac Mill.

Lilacs are sweet-smelling flowers that bloom in spring. They are often purple and are loved by many for their fragrance!

Habitat: Lilacs enjoy sunny spots and are often seen in backyards and gardens.

Appearance

The Lilac is a woody shrub or small tree with heart-shaped green leaves. It has large, conical clusters of small, intensely fragrant flowers, often purple, but also found in white, pink, and magenta hues.

KingdomPlantaePhylumTracheophytaClassMagnoliopsidaFamilyOleaceaeGenusSyringa

Lilac

Interesting facts

Different colored lilacs historically symbolize different emotions!

Lilac flowers are edible and can be used to make delicious jelly!

Some lilac bushes can live for over 100 years, growing very tall!

The name 'Lilac' comes from a Persian word meaning 'blue'!

Special abilities

Lilac has a powerful sweet fragrance that helps it attract pollinators like bees and butterflies from a distance.

Lilac has numerous small flowers clustered together, making it easier for pollinators to visit many at once.

Lilac can withstand very cold winters thanks to its woody stems, helping it survive and re-emerge each spring.

Measurements & details

Height: 200-700 cm
Spread: 150-500 cm
Flower Size: 0.5-1.5 cm
Bloom Season: Spring to early summer
Is Edible: Yes
Toxicity: None
Lifecycle: Perennial
Pollination Method: Insect

Ecological connections

pollinates

Honeybee

Apis mellifera

Visits flowers for nectar and pollen.

pollinates

Small White butterfly

Pieris rapae

Feeds on nectar, helping pollination.

eaten by

Lilac Borer

Podosesia syringae

Larvae bore into woody stems, causing damage.

eaten by

White-tailed Deer

Odocoileus virginianus

Deer browse on leaves and young shoots.

Traits

Deciduous

Discover the magic of plants that shed all their leaves during a particular season, often putting on a spectacular show of fall colors first. They get ready for a fresh start!

Shrub

These amazing plants are like nature's bushy sculptures, having woody stems that branch out from the ground to create a lovely, full shape.

Spring Blooming

Celebrate the arrival of warmer weather with these cheerful plants that burst into beautiful flowers as spring awakens the world.

Fragrant Flower

Discover flowers that release delightful scents into the air, enchanting our senses and attracting helpful insects. Take a moment to enjoy their sweet perfume!

Urban Friendly

Spot amazing living things that thrive right alongside us in cities and towns, finding homes in parks, gardens, and even cracks in pavements.

Pollinator

Meet the busy helpers of the plant world! These creatures carry pollen from one flower to another, helping plants make seeds and grow fruits and vegetables.