Common lilac

Syringa vulgaris L.

Family: OleaceaeZones: 3 to 7 per UMN; USDA 3a to 7a per NC State

Pet & Human Safety

People: Not researchedPets: Not on the ASPCA lists as we read them

Hazardous parts

Not yet checked.

Preparation

Not yet checked.

Hazard type

Not yet checked.

Hazard route

Not yet checked.

How complete this information is

We have not researched the safety of this plant yet.

Toxic to pets

No ASPCA entry found.

NC State and UMN pages do not mention any poison warning for this plant (absence on those pages is not an all-clear).

PlotAndPetal cannot tell you whether a plant you found can be eaten. Only someone who can see the plant can identify it.

Poison control

If someone has collapsed, cannot be woken, is having a seizure or has trouble breathing, call 911 now. For any other possible poisoning, call Poison Help: 1-800-222-1222.

Emergency number source: U.S. federal law (47 U.S.C. § 251(e)(3)), read 2026-10-07.

Naturalist Lore

Historical Background & Breeding Lore

The history of this plant and its name, and how it was bred, where we have them.

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Care

Hardiness zones: USDA 3 to 7 per UMN; USDA 3a to 7a per NC State
Light: Full sun is best; part shade is listed by NC State.
Water needs: moderate
Mature size: 8 to 16 ft tall and 6 to 12 ft wide (2.4 to 4.9 m tall, 1.8 to 3.7 m wide) per NC State; UMN gives 8 to 15 ft tall and 6 to 12 ft wide. Sizes vary by variety.
Where it comes from: Southeastern Europe (Balkan Peninsula); widely planted in North America.

Soil & Drainage

Pruning & Flush Rhythm

Feeding Schedule

How to prepare the soil, when and what to feed, and how and when to prune where that applies.

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