Syringa reticulata (suh-ring’-a ruh-tik-u-lae’-ta)
Family: Oleaceae, Olive
Key Steps
- 1a – Opposite leaf arrangement on stem — go to 2
- 2a – Leaf simple — go to 3
- 3b – Leaves are unlobed — go to 11
- 11a – Leaf margins entire — Japanese Tree Lilac
- 3b – Leaves are unlobed — go to 11
- 2a – Leaf simple — go to 3
Description
Leaf: Egg shaped. 2 to 5 1/2 inches long. Narrow tip, rounded or heart-shaped base. Smooth margin. Net-like venation. Dark green above, grayish-green beneath. Petiole to 1 inch long.
Bud: 4 pair of scales, brownish. True terminal bud may be absent.
Leaf Scar: Small, narrow, crescent-shaped.
Stem: Stout, shiny brown, lots of horizontal lenticels, like a cherry tree (only cherry leaves are alternate not opposite).
Bark: Reddish-brown
Flower: White, fragrant, very showy, up to 12 inches long terminal panicle; blooming early to mid June.
Fruit: 1/2 to 1 inch long warty capsule.
Habit: Small to medium ornamental. Spreading, round canopy. To 30 feet tall.
Culture: Moderate moisture requirement. pH adaptable. Full sun for good flowering.
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