Japanese Tree Lilac
(Syringa reticulata)
Japanese Tree Lilac (Syringa reticulata)
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Repina Tatyana
CC BY 4.0
Image By:
Repina Tatyana
Recorded By:
Copyright:
CC BY 4.0
Copyright Notice:
Photo by: Repina Tatyana | License Type: CC BY 4.0 | License URL: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ | Rights Holder: Repina Tatyana | Publisher: iNaturalist | Date Created: 2019-06-18T13:36:04-07:00 |
Estimated Native Range
Summary
Syringa reticulata, commonly known as Japanese tree lilac, is a deciduous small tree native to the hills and forest edges of eastern Asia. It has been widely cultivated as an ornamental tree in Europe and North America. This species typically grows to a height of 39 feet (12 meters), occasionally reaching up to 49 feet (15 meters), with a trunk diameter of up to 11.8 inches (30 cm), and in rare cases, up to 15.7 inches (40 cm). It is the largest species of lilac and is unique in its growth habit, typically forming a small tree rather than a shrub. The Japanese tree lilac is notable for its showy, white or creamy-white flowers that emit a strong fragrance. These flowers are produced in broad panicles measuring 2 to 11 inches (5–30 cm) in length and 1 to 8 inches (3–20 cm) in width during the early summer. The fruit is a dry, smooth brown capsule, 15–25 mm long, which splits open to release two winged seeds.
The Japanese tree lilac is valued for its fragrant, showy flowers and is often used in urban landscapes, parks, and as a specimen tree in gardens. It is relatively easy to maintain, requiring medium amounts of water and thriving in soils with medium drainage. It prefers full sun but can tolerate light shade. While it is generally disease-resistant, it can be susceptible to powdery mildew and borers. Gardeners should be aware of its potential to spread if the conditions are ideal, though it is not typically considered invasive.CC BY-SA 4.0
The Japanese tree lilac is valued for its fragrant, showy flowers and is often used in urban landscapes, parks, and as a specimen tree in gardens. It is relatively easy to maintain, requiring medium amounts of water and thriving in soils with medium drainage. It prefers full sun but can tolerate light shade. While it is generally disease-resistant, it can be susceptible to powdery mildew and borers. Gardeners should be aware of its potential to spread if the conditions are ideal, though it is not typically considered invasive.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Tree, Shrub
- Height: 20-30 feet
- Width: 15-20 feet
- Growth Rate: Moderate
- Flower Color: Cream, White
- Flowering Season: Summer
- Leaf Retention: Deciduous
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
- Water: Medium
- Drainage: Medium
Common Uses
Bee Garden, Bird Garden, Border Plant, Butterfly Garden, Deer Resistant, Drought Tolerant, Erosion Control, Fragrant, Hummingbird Garden, Low Maintenance, Rabbit Resistant, Salt Tolerant, Showy Flowers, Street Planting
Natural Habitat
Hills and forest edges of eastern Asia, with showy, fragrant white or creamy-white flowers in early summer
Other Names
Common Names: Tree Lilac, Lilas Japonais, 개회나무, 돌개회나무
Scientific Names: , Syringa reticulata, Ligustrina reticulata, Ligustrum reticulatum, Ligustrina japonica, Ligustrina reticulatum,
GBIF Accepted Name: Syringa reticulata (Blume) H.Hara