Naming |
| Botanical Name: |
Syringa vulgaris
|
| Common Names: |
French Lilac, Persian Lilac
|
| Key Name: |
Common Lilac
|
| Parts Used: |
Flowers, leaves, bark
|
| Sister Plants: |
Syringa oblata, Syringa x hyacinthiflora, Syringa persica
|
| Comments: |
ornamental shrub with significant pollinator activity; globally popular
|
Taxonomy |
| Kingdom |
Viridiplantae |
Phylum |
Streptophyta |
| Class |
Magnoliopsida |
Order |
Lamiales |
| Family |
Oleaceae |
Genus |
Syringa |
| Species |
vulgaris |
NCBI Tax ID |
34270
|
| Organism |
|
|
Characteristics |
| Identifying Character: |
Large shrub (6-20 ft), smooth grey-brown bark, heart-shaped Leaves, fragrant purple or white flower clusters
|
| Stem: |
Smooth grey-brown, becoming rough with age
|
| Leaves: |
Heart-shaped, 2-5 inches, dark green turning yellow in fall
|
| Flowers: |
Purple or white, tubular flowers in dense clusters, blooming May-June
|
| Fruit: |
Dry, brown capsules, 1-2 cm, containing seeds
|
| Taste: |
Bitter (bark), mildly sweet (flowers)
|
| Odour: |
Strong, sweet floral scent from flowers
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| Root: |
Shallow, spreading root system; stabilizes soil
|
| Image: |
(image unavailable)
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|
Distribution |
| Distribution: |
Southeastern Europe, naturalized worldwide
|
| Cultivation: |
Prefers well-drained soil, full Sun; propagate by cuttings or layering
|
| Harvest: |
flowers: Late spring; Bark: Spring from pruned branches
|
Medical |
| Therapeutic Action: |
Astringent, Diuretic, Sedative, Antimicrobial
|
| Medical Uses: |
Used for Fever, infections, mild sedation, and as a Diuretic; flowers for respiratory health
|
| Constituents: |
Volatile oils, Tannins, syringin, flavonoids (flavonoids)">flavonoids
|
| Solvents: |
Water, alcohol (Tincture), glycerin
|
| Dosage: |
Flower infusion: 1 tsp dried flowers in hot water; Tincture: 5-10 drops in water 2-3 times daily
|
| Administration: |
Internal: infusion or Tincture; External: Poultice for skin
|
| Formulas: |
Combine with elderflower for Fever; with chamomile for sedation
|
| Contra Indications: |
May cause Allergic reactions or Digestive upset; avoid in Pregnancy; consult healthcare provider
|
| Preparation: |
infusion: Steep 1 tsp dried flowers in hot water for 10 minutes; Tincture: Steep 1 part flowers in 5 parts alcohol for 2-4 weeks
|
| Chinese: |
No documented use in Traditional Chinese Medicine
|
| Veterinary: |
Used for skin irritations or wound healing in livestock
|
| Homeopathic: |
No known homeopathic use documented
|
Pollination and Pollinators |
| Apis: |
No
|
| Pollinator: |
1
|
| Pollen: |
Yes
|
| Pollen Notes: |
Wind-dispersed, visited by bees for pollen
|
| Nectar: |
Yes
|
| Nectar Notes: |
Attracts bees for nectar, supports pollinator health
|
Other |
| Non-Medical Uses: |
Wood for small crafts, ornamental hedging, wildlife habitat
|
| Culinary Uses: |
flowers used in teas or syrups; Leaves rarely consumed
|
| History: |
Cultivated in Europe since the 16th century; used in folk remedies
|
| Reference: |
Plants For A Future; European Herbal Traditions
|
| URL: |
https://www.pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Syringa+vulgaris
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| Share: |
Private
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