365 Urban Species. #140: Lilac

Photo by cottonmanifesto, April 30 2006.

Urban species #140: Lilac Syringa vulgaris

This flowering shrub from southern Europe is familiar to nearly all North Americans. It's a favorite among urban and suburban landscapers for it's bunches of fragrant light purple, or sometimes white, flowers. It's considered an invasive species in Canada, but seems to be tolerated in the United States. It is the state flower of New Hampshire.

In many northern states, lilac is associated with Mother's Day. "Lilac Sunday," in Boston's Arnold Arboretum is a major event, but in recent years the shrubs have been blooming ahead of schedule, depriving revelers of peak conditions. Flood-causing downpours marred the celebration this year.

( More lilac )