Common Lilac

Syringa vulgaris

Plant Data

Order:

Lamiales

Family:

Oleaceae (Olive)

Type:

Deciduous shrub

Flowering Months:

JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC

Flower:

Variable in colour, 4 petals

White, lilac or purple clusters, 4 petals.

Fruit:

A brown capsule, up to 2cm in length.

Leaves:

A deciduous shrub. Light green, hairless, heart-shaped leaves. The leaves are arranged in opposite pairs along the stems.

Maximum Size:

7 metres tall

Foraging Notes:

The flowers can be eaten raw.
Never consume a wild plant unless you are 100% certain that it is safe to eat and you know that you have identified it correctly.

Aroma:

Fragrant.

Frequency (UK):

Common

Habitats:

Gardens, hedgerows, woodland.