Lilac
Syringa vulgaris
Family: Oleaceae
What it is like
A shrub. It can grow 6 m high. The leaves are oval and taper to the base. They are 5-10 cm long by 2-6 cm wide. They are slightly rough and bright green. The flowers are in large groups arising from the side buds. The flowers can be lilac, white, or red. The fruit is a smooth capsule. There are many named cultivated varieties.
Where it is found
A temperate plant. In Argentina it grows between 500-1,000 m above sea level. Arboretum Tasmania.
Countries/locations it is found in
Albania, Andorra, Argentina, Asia, Australia, Balkans, Belarus, Central Asia, Estonia, Europe, Greece, Iran, Korea, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Macedonia, Mediterranean, Middle East, North America, Norway, Pakistan, Romania, Russia, Scandinavia, Slovenia, South America, Tajikistan, Tasmania
How it is used for food
The flowers are eaten raw or folded in batter and made into fritters. They can be crystallised by dipping in beaten egg white then rolling in granulated sugar. The nectar is also sucked. The flowers are also boiled with sugar for jam.
Edible parts
Flowers, nectar
How it is grown
Its other names
Local names
Siren', Siryen, Sirinas, Syrin