Featured Plant

The Japanese Tree Lilac (Syringa reticulata), from Northern China can be found on the University of Maryland campus at Symons Hall. This tree is used on streets and for shade. It grows best in high amounts of sun and medium amounts of water and it prefers acidic, easily drained soils. With the correct and best conditions, it can grow to be 20 to 30 feet in height and 15 to 20 feet in width.

Flowers, leaves, and fruit make up the trees canopy. The flowers stand out with their white color and blossom around the month of June. They grow up to 12 inches long in groups and are known for the significant scent that they give off. During the winter months, seed capsules, also known as the fruit, also appear on the tree in groups. They are small in stature as they are only about ¾ inch. The leaves on the tree are about 6 inches in length and are a dark green color. The bark on the tree is a shade of red and brown and as it ages the color turns grey.

The Japanese Tree Lilac is not as prone to some diseases or pests compared to others, however they do run into the possibility of experiencing things such as leaf spots and blight, as well as damage from caterpillars. The flowers can possibly experience their own damage in the form of frost. Other than these possibilities for damage, the Japanese Tree Lilac has low maintenance in what is needed for it to grow successfully.

Written by intern Cameron Smith

Works Cited

Bernheim Arboretum and Research Forest: Japanese Tree Lilac. (n.d.). Retrieved April 19, 2018, from https://bernheim.org/learn/trees-plants/bernheim-select-urban-trees/japa...

Japanese tree lilac. (n.d.). Retrieved April 19, 2018, from http://www.mortonarb.org/trees-plants/tree-plant-descriptions/japanese-t...

Missouri Botanical Garden: Syringa reticulata. (n.d.). Retrieved April 19, 2018, from http://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/Pl