Syringa

Syringa is a group of 12 beautiful flowering plants known as lilacs. These plants belong to the olive family and grow naturally in woodland and scrub areas from southeastern Europe to eastern Asia. Today, they are grown in many temperate parts of the world because of their lovely flowers.

Lilacs are closely related to another plant group called Ligustrum, or privet. Both belong to the same small family group within the olive family.

Some moths, like the lilac leaf mining moth and the privet hawk moth, use lilacs as food for their young larvae. Other moths such as the copper underwing, scalloped oak, and Svensson's copper underwing also enjoy these plants.

Description

Lilacs are small trees that grow from about 2 to 10 metres tall. Their leaves are arranged in opposite pairs and are usually heart-shaped or broad and lance-like.

The flowers bloom in spring and are small, about 5 to 10 millimetres across. They often have a lovely purple colour, but can also be white, pale yellow, pink, or even dark burgundy. Many of these flowers have a strong, pleasant smell. One special type of lilac, called Bloomerang, flowers in spring and then again in late summer and fall.

After the flowers, lilacs produce dry, brown fruit that splits open to release seeds with wings.

Taxonomy

The group of plants called lilacs, known scientifically as Syringa, was first described in 1753 by Carl Linnaeus. The name Syringa comes from an Ancient Greek word meaning "pipe" or "tube," which describes the hollow branches of the common lilac, S. vulgaris.

There are 12 recognized types of lilacs, found in places from southeastern Europe to eastern Asia. Some well-known kinds include the Himalayan lilac, the Hungarian lilac, and the common lilac. There are also several hybrid lilacs, which are created by crossing different lilac types.

Etymology

The word "lilac" comes from French. It originally came from Arabic, where it was līlak, and from Persian, where it was lilanj or nilak. These words refer to a plant that is bluish or dark blue in color.

Cultivation and uses

Lilacs are popular shrubs in parks and gardens in cooler areas, and many special types have been created. They grow best in soil that drains well, especially soil with chalk. Lilacs bloom on older branches and produce more flowers if not trimmed. If trimmed, they grow quickly but may not bloom as much.

Lilac wood is not often used because the trees are small. It is a hard wood and can be used for woodturning. Some parts of lilac plants have been used in traditional medicine in Asia for treating illnesses like coughs and stomach problems. Scientists have studied compounds from lilacs and found they might have helpful effects in treating certain conditions.

Symbolism

See also: Language of flowers

Lilacs often stand for first love. In places like Greece, Macedonia, Lebanon, and Cyprus, lilacs bloom around Easter time and are called paschalia.

In the famous poem When Lilacs Last in the Dooryard Bloom'd by Walt Whitman, lilacs remind us of Abraham Lincoln. A popular song called We'll Gather Lilacs by Ivor Novello, first sung in 1945, talks about two lovers wishing to meet again in the English countryside.

The lilac, Syringa vulgaris, is the state flower of New Hampshire because it represents the strong spirit of its people. In the Discworld book Night Watch, lilacs are used as a symbol for a group, showing they are strong and hard to defeat.

Festivals

Many places in North America have special events to celebrate lilacs. For example, the Arnold Arboretum in Boston, Massachusetts, holds "Lilac Sunday" every May. During this day, visitors can enjoy picnics among over 422 lilac plants.

Lombard, Illinois calls itself the "Lilac Village" and has a big festival and parade each May. The village also has Lilacia Park with many different kinds of lilacs and tulips. Other towns and cities like Mackinac Island in Michigan, Rochester, New York, the Royal Botanical Gardens near Hamilton, Ontario, Spokane, Washington, Franktown in Ontario, and Calgary in Alberta also hold their own lilac festivals.