The common lilac ( Syringa vulgaris ) is treasure for its fragrant blooms that aromatise the garden in spring But you’re able to identify a lilac bush even when not in flower by examining the leaves closely Lilac leaves have some elusive yet differentiate characteristics that set them apart from other plants .
Here are the central features to look for when discover lilac leaves
Leaf Arrangement
Lilac leaves grow in an opposite design along the stalk , with each leaf come forth directly across from another .
They do not flip along the branch or whorl around it .
Leaf Shape
Most lilac leaves are elliptic or heart shaped .
Some may also be more rounded while others are slimly narrower .
But the canonical form is tolerant at the foundation and tapers to a point at the tip .
Leaf Margins
lavender leaf edge are entire , meaning they are smooth without teeth or lobes .
The foliage synopsis is an unbroken oval or heart conformation .
Leaf Size
Lilac leaf are typically 2 to 5 inches long .
Leaf width wander from 1 to 3 inches wide , smaller than the length .
Leaves are medium fleeceable and reasonably size on the bush .
Leaf Texture
Lilac leaves have a still , shiny surface and feel limber or slightly leathery .
underside may have o.k. haircloth but overall the foliage feels easy , not muzzy or haired .
Leaf Venation
Veins in lilac leaves are pinnate , mean a main central vein runs from base to tip with secondary veins separate off it .
The veins are not starkly seeable but upon tightlipped inspection show a feeble radiation diagram .
Leaf Scent
When crushed , lilac leaves have no distinct aroma .
This counterpoint with their fragrant flowers in saltation .
Leaf Buds
Leaf buds on lilac twigs are much smaller and more acutely pointed than the larger , juicy blossom buds .
They pop directly from the branch , not on a short side chaff like blossom buds .
Leaf Coloration
New spring leaves issue idle greenish and darken as they get on .
twilight people of color is a muted yellow before the leaf drop .
Winter leaf buds are reddish brown .
Opposite arrangement
Ovate , ticker - work form
Smooth , unnotched security deposit
Medium green color
Shiny open and lithe texture
Pinnate venation
No fragrance when crushed
humble , pointed buds on twigs
It can be tricky differentiating lilac go away from some lookalikes , like ash trees . But with attention to detail , you could positively identify Syringa vulgaris foliage . canvas the foliage characteristics together rather than relying on just one trait .
Lilac Bush are often grown for their outflow bloom . But the graceful leaves add year - round interest , fall color , and winter structure . So learn to recognize lilac parting in every season to in full appreciate this garden classic .
Find on the Map
embark keywords to search on the botanical garden mathematical function .
Miss. Ellen Willmott Common Lilac (296-76* is in the Godshalk Meadow
East Side and West Side
For The Love Of Lilacs Edible & Medicinal Flowers
FAQ
How do I identify a lilac folio ?
How can I tell if I have a lilac tree or bush ?
What should a lilac tree diagram look like ?
