PlantWatch

Lilac, Common purple (Syringa vulgaris)

Photo by Nova Scotia Museum of Natural History

French name: lilas commun
Bloom time: May to June
Report for: YK, NT, BC, AB, SK, MB, ON, QC, NB, NS, PEI, NF

General: A non-native garden shrub, brought to Canada from Europe, it can grow up to 4 m high and 7 m wide.

Leaves & Twigs: Heart-shaped leaves are smooth and appear before the flowers bloom.

Flowers & Fruit: Small fragrant flowers (florets) grow in clusters 10–20 cm long. Flowers of common purple lilac can vary in colour (depending on the variety).

Habitat: Lilac bushes grow where they have been planted, such as in parks and gardens; but this introduced plant does not grow successfully in the arctic.

Sampling: If possible, select a lilac bush that has pale to medium purple flower buds. Choose a location at least 10 m away from a building or obstacle, and tag a typical shrub for observation.

To Observe:

• First bloom: when the first florets are open on the observed shrub (three places)
• Mid bloom: when 50% of the florets are open on the observed shrub
• Leafing when the first leaves push out of the bud and unfold completely (three places)