Syringa x chinensis

Shrub 2.5 - 5 m tall and as wide Leaves: opposite, stalked, medium to dark green, 4 - 8 cm long, to 3 cm wide, egg-shaped to lance-shaped with a tapering or rounded base and pointed tip. Flowers: borne in a large, loose, 10 - 15 cm long branched inflorescence, purple-lilac, 7 - 8 mm long, tubular, four-lobed, and fragrant. Fruit: is not produced on this species; the plant is sterile. Twigs: rounded and brownish gray with lenticels. Buds: plump and pointed with reddish brown, overlapping scales. Form: broadly spreading and round-topped with arching branches.

Similar species: In general, the buds of Syringa vulgaris are larger and less refined than those of S. x chinensis. It also exhibits less profuse flowering than S. x chinensis. Another similar species, S. velutina, differs by being densely hairy on the leaf undersides.

Flowering: May

Habitat and ecology: Often planted as an ornamental, and may persist after homesite abandonment. In general, Syringa species thrive best in moist soils.

Occurence in the Chicago region: non-native

Notes: The common name "Chinese Lilac" came from the mistaken belief that the plant came from China. It actually originated in France.

Etymology: Syringa means lilac. It derives from the Greek word syrinx (pipe), and refers to the hollow stems. Chinensis means Chinese.

Author: The Morton Arboretum