What is this plant - Ask Extension
What is this plant? PIctures taken last month.
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What is this plant #864762
Asked April 16, 2024, 2:45 PM EDT
What is this plant? PIctures taken last month.
Livingston County Michigan
Expert Response
Hello,
Based on your images, this is a Common lilac (Syringa vulgaris)
The Common Lilac (Syringa vulgaris) belongs to the Oleaceae (Olive) family. It is a perennial shrub native to Europe and thrives in a variety of soils. Here are some key details about the Common Lilac:
Scientific Name: Syringa vulgaris
Common Name: Common lilac
Habit: Shrubs
Duration: Perennial
Notable Features:
Opposite leaves with cordate-ovate leaf blades.
Aromatic tetramerous flowers arranged in large panicles (10-20 cm long).
Tubular corolla spreading into four lobes.
Rapid growth rate with many suckers produced.
Description: Common lilac boasts highly fragrant flowers that bloom in spring. There are numerous cultivars available, featuring single and double flowers in various colors such as white, cream, rose, magenta, pinkish-purple, lavender, and purple. The pungently sweet fragrance is delightful, although it can be overpowering for some asthmatics. Most plants are grafted, so it’s essential to remove suckers from the rootstock to maintain appearance and prevent unwanted spread. The shrub grows rapidly and makes excellent cut flowers. However, after its spectacular mid-to-late spring bloom, it becomes less interesting in the landscape due to leggy branches and leaves susceptible to powdery mildew.
Growing Conditions:
Climate: Common lilac thrives in cold winter climates, as it requires a long period of winter chill for the buds to mature. Late frost can sometimes harm the buds, so it’s best sited in a protected location.
Soil: It tolerates different soil types but doesn’t do well in highly acidic or poorly drained soil.
Maintenance: Prune the center of the plant to improve airflow.
Disease Tolerance: While powdery mildew can affect foliage appearance in summer, it doesn’t cause permanent damage. Other disease issues include blights, leaf spots, wilts, ringspot virus, and honey fungus.
Flower Colors: Purple, white, or pink, depending on the cultivar.
Fragrance: Highly fragrant.
Height: Common lilac can grow between twelve and sixteen feet tall.
Blooming Time: Flowers usually bloom in May and continue for approximately two weeks.
If you’re considering planting common lilac, ensure it receives adequate winter chill and choose a suitable location to enjoy its beautiful blooms! In Michigan, the Common Lilac is present in various cultivars, making it a recognizable and fragrant addition to gardens and landscapes. If you’re considering planting one, ensure it receives ample sunlight for optimal flowering and growth.
More information of the Common lilac (Syringa vulgaris) is at this link:
https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/lilac_an_old_fashioned_favorite_shrub
I hope this helps!
Based on your images, this is a Common lilac (Syringa vulgaris)
The Common Lilac (Syringa vulgaris) belongs to the Oleaceae (Olive) family. It is a perennial shrub native to Europe and thrives in a variety of soils. Here are some key details about the Common Lilac:
Scientific Name: Syringa vulgaris
Common Name: Common lilac
Habit: Shrubs
Duration: Perennial
Notable Features:
Opposite leaves with cordate-ovate leaf blades.
Aromatic tetramerous flowers arranged in large panicles (10-20 cm long).
Tubular corolla spreading into four lobes.
Rapid growth rate with many suckers produced.
Description: Common lilac boasts highly fragrant flowers that bloom in spring. There are numerous cultivars available, featuring single and double flowers in various colors such as white, cream, rose, magenta, pinkish-purple, lavender, and purple. The pungently sweet fragrance is delightful, although it can be overpowering for some asthmatics. Most plants are grafted, so it’s essential to remove suckers from the rootstock to maintain appearance and prevent unwanted spread. The shrub grows rapidly and makes excellent cut flowers. However, after its spectacular mid-to-late spring bloom, it becomes less interesting in the landscape due to leggy branches and leaves susceptible to powdery mildew.
Growing Conditions:
Climate: Common lilac thrives in cold winter climates, as it requires a long period of winter chill for the buds to mature. Late frost can sometimes harm the buds, so it’s best sited in a protected location.
Soil: It tolerates different soil types but doesn’t do well in highly acidic or poorly drained soil.
Maintenance: Prune the center of the plant to improve airflow.
Disease Tolerance: While powdery mildew can affect foliage appearance in summer, it doesn’t cause permanent damage. Other disease issues include blights, leaf spots, wilts, ringspot virus, and honey fungus.
Flower Colors: Purple, white, or pink, depending on the cultivar.
Fragrance: Highly fragrant.
Height: Common lilac can grow between twelve and sixteen feet tall.
Blooming Time: Flowers usually bloom in May and continue for approximately two weeks.
If you’re considering planting common lilac, ensure it receives adequate winter chill and choose a suitable location to enjoy its beautiful blooms! In Michigan, the Common Lilac is present in various cultivars, making it a recognizable and fragrant addition to gardens and landscapes. If you’re considering planting one, ensure it receives ample sunlight for optimal flowering and growth.
More information of the Common lilac (Syringa vulgaris) is at this link:
https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/lilac_an_old_fashioned_favorite_shrub
I hope this helps!
