Scientific Name
Syringa reticulata
The Japanese tree lilac is a small- to medium-sized tree that is one of only two lilac species to attain tree stature (the other is the similar Peking lilac) at roughly 25 feet in height at maturity. Originally from Japan, this tree is of the same genus as common lilac and the foliage and fruit of the two are similar. One clue to the tree’s identity is that the leaves and buds are arranged oppositely on the twigs, as is the case with most members of the olive family of plants (ash trees being another prime local example). This tree is most noted for its bold white floral display, typically in early June. The flowers have a strong odor, almost overwhelming for some people. The bark even on young stems is reddish-brown and resembles that of cherry trees rather than common lilac, with prominent lenticels (thin light-colored and slightly raised horizontal marks that allow for gas exchange).
The planting of 13 Japanese tree lilacs in a grove on the north side of the Regis Life Directions Center is one of the most formal plant groupings on the campus, while the single specimen in the O’Connell Grotto is a nice complement to a variety of other tree species along a walkway.