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