Lilacs are often thought of as a type of bush, but technically, they can be classified as a shrub or even a small tree. This is because they can grow to varying heights, with some species reaching up to 20 feet tall.
The main reason lilacs are often referred to as a bush is because of their growth habit. They typically have a single main stem with branches that grow out from it, similar to a bush.
However, lilacs can also grow as a small tree, with a more upright and columnar shape. This is especially true for some of the more compact varieties.
In terms of classification, lilacs are actually a type of deciduous shrub, belonging to the Syringa genus.
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What is a Lilac?
A lilac is a type of flowering shrub that is native to Europe and Asia.
Lilacs are known for their fragrant purple flowers, which bloom in late spring and early summer. They have a strong, sweet scent that is often associated with nostalgia and warmth.
The lilac's flowers are actually a cluster of tiny blooms, each containing four petals and a center of stamens. This unique flower structure is responsible for the lilac's distinctive appearance.
Lilacs are relatively low-maintenance plants that can thrive in a variety of conditions, from full sun to partial shade. They prefer well-drained soil and can tolerate some drought, but consistent moisture is best.
Lilacs are often used as ornamental plants in gardens and landscapes, valued for their beautiful flowers and attractive foliage. They can be pruned to maintain a desired shape or size.
Classification
Classification can be a bit tricky when it comes to lilacs.
The main classification of lilacs is as a shrub, specifically a deciduous shrub. This is because they typically grow to be around 6-12 feet tall, with a spread of around 4-8 feet.
However, some lilac varieties can grow taller, up to 15 feet or more, which can lead to them being classified as a small tree.
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Are Bushes?
Lilacs can grow as bushes or trees, but most lilacs sold today are bushes.
Most lilacs sold today are bushes, so you'd be forgiven for being confused by the sight of one in tree form.
There are hundreds of varieties of lilac bushes.
Lilacs sold today are mostly bushes, but you can also find trees.
You can easily become a collector of lilac bushes if you have enough room.
For the rest of us, planting varieties that bloom at different times helps ensure we have lilacs to enjoy for several weeks each spring.
What is a Shrub Tree?
In the world of gardening, classification can get pretty confusing.
Some plants, like dwarf lilac 'trees', look like lollipops with compact balls of leaves and blooms on top of small trunks, but they're actually shrubs grafted onto small tree root stock.
These lilacs descend from either 'meyeri' or 'palibin' species, which feature small leaves and compact form.
The nursery catalogs list them in the shrub section under a 'dwarf on standard' subhead, so let's go with the shrub classification.
Some popular lilac varieties on standard include 'Miss Kim', 'Tinkerbelle', and 'Dwarf Korean'.
On a similar theme: Lilac Bush Losing Leaves in Summer
Types of Trees
Lilacs are often mistaken for trees, but they're actually a type of shrub.
As we discussed earlier, a shrub is a type of plant that is smaller than a tree and has multiple stems.
Deciduous trees, which make up the majority of tree species, shed their leaves annually and go dormant during winter.
The oak tree, for example, is a classic deciduous tree that loses its leaves every fall.
Coniferous trees, on the other hand, keep their needle-like leaves year-round and produce cones.
The pine tree is a great example of a coniferous tree that produces cones and stays green all year.
Evergreen trees are a subcategory of coniferous trees that keep their leaves year-round and don't shed them seasonally.
The Arborvitae tree is an example of an evergreen tree that stays green all year.
Shrubs, like lilacs, can be evergreen or deciduous and are often used in landscaping for their beauty and fragrance.
Lilacs are a popular choice for landscaping due to their beautiful purple flowers and strong fragrance.
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Size and Form
Lilacs can grow into quite large shrubs if left unchecked, reaching heights and widths of up to 20 feet.
The 'Miss Kim' or Manchurian lilac, on the other hand, tops out at around nine feet, making it a great alternative for smaller spaces.
Common lilacs, like 'Sensation' and 'Beauty of Moscow', can spread out quite a bit, requiring regular pruning to keep them under control.
About Trees
A tree is typically defined as a plant with a single trunk, a height of at least 15 feet, and a well-defined canopy that begins at least 3-4 feet above ground.
The definition of a tree is a bit more relaxed for the lilac genus, which includes woody plants with multiple trunks of roughly equal girth.
Japanese Tree Lilac, Syringa reticulata, is the one true lilac tree, hardy in USDA Hardiness Zones 3 through 7.
It's a small, slow-growing tree that may reach 20 to 25 feet at maturity, with strongly scented, ivory-colored blooms opening in late May to early June.
The tree's wood is dead on the interior, supporting the plant as it lives and photosynthesizes toward its exterior, with an outer layer of protective bark.
Common
The common lilac is a fast-growing shrub that can reach heights and widths of 20 feet if left unchecked.
Its leaves are typically smooth and heart-shaped, and the blooms are traditional, cone-shaped and very fragrant.
Some popular varieties of common lilac include 'Sensation,' 'Beauty of Moscow,' 'Charles Joly,' and 'Miss Canada.'
These lilacs are a popular choice for containers because they thrive in a variety of settings.
Intriguing read: Common Lilac Tree
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