Lilac

views updated May 23 2018

Lilac

Lilacs (Syringa spp.) are about 10 species of shrubs and small trees in the olive family (Oleaceae). Lilacs are native to Eurasia but have been widely planted elsewhere as ornamental shrubs.

The common lilac (Syringa vulgaris ) is the most familiar species to most people. It has shiny green wedge-shaped leaves without teeth on the margins, which are arranged alternately on the twigs. This and other species of lilacs develop large numbers of spike-like inflorescences in the early springtime before the leaves have developed. These flowers are rich in nectar and fragrance and are pollinated by insects.

The common lilac is originally native to southeastern Europe and adjacent parts of southwestern Asia and is the oldest and most widespread species in cultivation. Other species include the Persian lilac (S. persica ), the Chinese lilac (S. oblata ), and the Japanese lilac (S. japonica ). However, hundreds of horticultural hybrids have been bred by crossing the flowers of various species of lilacs. If the hybrids are considered to have desirable attributes in terms of flower shape or color, fragrance, or tolerance of local or regional environmental conditions, it may be given a distinctive name and is subsequently propagated by rooting vegetative shoots, known as cuttings.

Lilacs have been widely planted as horticultural species in Eurasia, North America, and elsewhere that a suitable, temperate climate occurs. Lilacs are utilized in this way because they are relatively easy to grow,

and they develop spectacular displays of white, lavender, or purple flowers in the early springtime while also perfuming the air with their fragrance. Lilac flowers contain fragrant oils that are sometimes used to flavor candy or cake or to manufacture perfume.

Lilacs sometimes escape from cultivation and becomes a locally invasive pest that may displace native shrubs from early successional or roadside habitats.

Lilac

views updated Jun 11 2018

Lilac

Lilacs (Syringa spp.) are about 10 species of shrubs and small trees in the olive family (Oleaceae) . Lilacs are native to Eurasia but have been widely planted elsewhere as ornamental shrubs.

The common lilac (Syringa vulgaris) is the most familiar species to most people. The common lilac has shiny green wedge-shaped leaves without teeth on the margins which are arranged alternately on the twigs.


This and other species of lilacs develop large numbers of spike-like inflorescences in the early springtime before the leaves have developed. These flowers are rich in nectar and fragrance and are pollinated by insects .

The common lilac is originally native to southeastern Europe and adjacent parts of southwestern Asia and is the oldest and most widespread species in cultivation. Other species include the Persian lilac (S. persica), the Chinese lilac (S. oblata), and the Japanese lilac (S. japonica). However, hundreds of horticultural hybrids have been bred by crossing the flowers of various species of lilacs. If the hybrids are considered to have desirable attributes in terms of flower shape or color , fragrance, or tolerance of local or regional environmental conditions, it may be given a distinctive name and is subsequently propagated by rooting vegetative shoots, known as cuttings.

Lilacs have been widely planted as horticultural species in Eurasia, North America , and elsewhere that a suitable, temperate climate occurs. Lilacs are utilized in this way because they are relatively easy to grow, and they develop spectacular displays of white, lavender, or purple flowers in the early springtime while also perfuming the air with their fragrance. Lilac flowers contain fragrant oils that are sometimes used to flavor candy or cake or to manufacture perfume.

Lilacs sometimes escape from cultivation and becomes a locally invasive pest that may displace native shrubs from early successional or roadside habitats.

Syringa

views updated May 21 2018

Syringa (lilac; family Oleaceae) A genus of shrubs and small trees with simple, oval, opposite leaves, 4-lobed corollas, capsular fruits, and winged seeds. The panicles of fragrant, lilac-coloured, white, or purple flowers make this a favourite garden shrub. The name ‘syringa’ is sometimes misleadingly applied to Philadelphus (mock orange), which is not related to lilac. There are 25 species, occurring from south-eastern Europe to eastern Asia.

lilac

views updated Jun 08 2018

li·lac / ˈlīˌläk; -ˌlak; -lək/ • n. a widely cultivated Eurasian shrub or small tree (genus Syringa) of the olive family, that has fragrant violet, pink, or white blossoms. ∎  a pale pinkish-violet color.ORIGIN: early 17th cent.: from obsolete French, via Spanish and Arabic from Persian līlak, variant of nīlak ‘bluish,’ from nīl ‘blue.’

syringa

views updated May 14 2018

sy·rin·ga / səˈring/ • n. 1. a plant of the genus Syringa (family Oleaceae), esp. (in gardening) the lilac.2. inf. another term for mock orange.

lilac

views updated May 18 2018

lilac shrub Syringa vulgaris. XVII. — F. †lilac (now lilas) — Sp. lilac — Arab. ll̄lak — Pers. lïlak, var. of nīlak bluish, f. nīl blue, indigo.
So named from the bluish tinge of the flowers of some varieties.

syringa

views updated Jun 11 2018

syringa shrub of the genus Philadelphus. XVII. — modL. syringa, f. Gr. sûrigx, surigg- pipe; first applied to the mock orange from its stems being used for pipe stems, later to the lilac.

lilac

views updated Jun 08 2018

lilac Any of 20 species of evergreen ornamental shrubs and small trees of the genus Syringa, which bear panicles (pointed clusters) of tiny fragrant white to purple flowers. Height: to 6m (20ft).

syringa

views updated May 23 2018

syringa A name used misleadingly for Philadelphus, especially P. coronarius.

lilac

views updated May 18 2018

lilac See SYRINGA.