How can I tell whether I have a lilac tree or shrub?

Watch Reply
More
Mark unread Print Skip to new
happy_macomb Chevy Chase, MD(Zone 7a) Apr 13, 2008

We have a lilac that lived for many years in an untended area of our yard. It is our only lilac. I have no idea whether it ever bloomed. It is at least 20 years old.

We moved it to the front yard last year. My DH and his son moved it so that it sits (I can't explain why they did this!) exactly under a utility wire. It is now almost touching the wire, so we either have to prune it or move it -- and I don't think I'll get much co-operation moving it, so I need to prune it. It now has a few blooms on the very top of it.

I did a little research, and learned that there are both lilac bushes and trees. Ours looks a bit like a tree -- maybe 10' high. I'd prefer to prune it into a bush shape if that is possible. (I realize this will take some years, if it is possible at all.)

Can anyone tell me how to discover whether this is a bush or a tree? Are these really 2 different groups of lilacs -- trees and bushes? If I have a lilac "tree", can it be pruned into a bush shape???

This message was edited Apr 13, 2008 2:54 PM

Post #4802660
Quote
happy_macomb Chevy Chase, MD(Zone 7a) Apr 13, 2008

After looking at the lilac again, I am inclined to think it is a bush that has not been pruned properly, because there are a lot of tall suckers at the base, but one main stem.

Post #4802739
Quote
Resin Northumberland, United Kingdom(Zone 9a) Apr 13, 2008

Quoting:
Are these really 2 different groups of lilacs -- trees and bushes?

No. The distinction between 'bush' and 'tree' is an artificial one, with no basis in biology.

Resin

Post #4803078
Quote
happy_macomb Chevy Chase, MD(Zone 7a) Apr 14, 2008

That's very helpful -- thanks!!!

Post #4804500
Quote
pastime Waterman, IL(Zone 5a) Apr 14, 2008

It's a bush that grew in tree form. Cut it back. It will thank you for it. The Lilac tree 'Syringa reticulata" is a totally different plant that blooms in June/July and has white flowers, no suckers.

Post #4806463
Quote
happy_macomb Chevy Chase, MD(Zone 7a) Apr 14, 2008

This has purple blossoms, so it clearly isn't Syringa reticulata. Many thanks! It will need all the help it can get because it isn't in the sunniest spot . . .

Post #4806949
Quote

Post a Reply to this Thread

Please or sign up to post.
Back to Forum Homepage

More Trees, Shrubs and Conifers Threads

Go to all Trees, Shrubs and Conifers threads
BACK TO TOP