Get to know this plant.
Identification clue 1
Opposite simple leaves
Identification clue 2
Large creamy summer flower clusters
Identification clue 3
Cherry-like bark lenticels
Read the leaves
Opposite oval leaves have smooth margins and a pointed tip. Follow paired buds along the twig.
More growing details
Read the bark
Brown bark shows pale horizontal lenticels, especially on younger stems.
Fruit & seed
Dry brown capsules follow the creamy flower clusters and may persist.
Winter character
Paired buds and horizontal bark lenticels support tree-lilac identification.
Origin & place
An introduced garden species or horticultural hybrid; study it as part of WNC landscapes rather than assume it belongs to the native mountain flora.
Compare with Common lilac
Common lilac is typically shrubbier and flowers earlier; confirm species and selection with multiple traits and records.
WNC Notes
Later-blooming small tree with good mildew resistance; flowers can be strongly scented.
Sun Exposure
Full sun–part shade
MATURE HEIGHT (FT)
20–25
MATURE WIDTH (FT)
15–20
BLOOM SEASON
Early summer
BLOOM COLOR
Catkins
FALL / WINTER COLOR
Yellow-brown
Wet-Soil Tolerance
Moderate–high
Drought Tolerance
Low