Common Lilac

Common Lilac

Syringa vulgaris

Olive Family (Oleaceae)

▲ ▼ flowering shrubs at southwest corner of Temple Hall, MSU campus

▲ foliage

▲ foliage with powdery mildew

Location on campus: at southeast corner of Maintenance Building; along west side of Kemper Hall; along southwest side of Temple Hall

Syringa vulgaris: Common Lilac

• leaves opposite, deciduous, simple ovate to chordate; dark green or blue green above, glabrous; 2-5" long and 3/4 as wide; often coated with powdery mildew in late summer
• stems stout, 4-sided when young, glossy brown and glabrous with raised lenticels & raised crescent-shaped leaf scars; pith is solid and white
• flowers are very fragrant, white, lilac, pink or purple in terminal racemes on previous season’s wood in mid spring; many cultivars available
• prefers full sun for best flowering, organic soils, but very tolerant of soil types; tends to quit flowering in shade
• slow to medium growth rate