Pinnate Lilac Syringa pinnatifolia
ABOUT
Syringa pinnatifolia, commonly known as the pinnate lilac, is a visually striking plant recognized for its unique and intricate foliage and blooms. Although its dimensions are not being detailed, the plant exhibits an elegant and robust appearance. The leaves of the pinnate lilac are arranged in a feathery, pinnate pattern, giving the plant a finely textured look. Each leaf comprises multiple small, elongated leaflets that are arranged opposite each other along a central stem, giving the foliage a ladder-like appearance that is the inspiration for its name. During its flowering season, the pinnate lilac produces beautiful clusters of flowers that range in color from soft to rich purples, invoking the quintessential lilac appearance that is beloved by many. These clusters are known as panicles, and they rise gracefully above the foliage, providing a striking contrast with their dense assembly of tiny, fragrant blooms. Each individual flower is tubular with four lobed petals that spread out delicately from the tube to create a classic and appealing flower shape. The overall impression is of a lush and floriferous plant that is both graceful and resilient in its form. The blooms are a magnet for pollinators like bees and butterflies, who are attracted to the fragrance and nectar. Though I cannot mention specific sizes, it's worth noting that the overall structure of the pinnate lilac is such that it provides an eye-catching addition to any garden where it is grown, not due to its dimensions but due to its attractive form and the profusion of blooms it produces. The plant's overall shape tends to be upright with a branching habit that gives it structure and presence. The bark on the twigs and branches typically has a smooth texture and a color that contrasts pleasantly with the green of the leaves and the purple of the flowers. In summary, the pinnate lilac is a beautiful plant known for its attractive, feathery foliage and stunning, fragrant flower clusters that make it a standout feature in landscapes, independent of its size.
About this plant
NamesSynonyms
Pinnate Lilac
Common names
Syringa pinnatifolia.
ToxicityTo humans
Syringa pinnatifolia, commonly known as the lilac, is not widely recognized for its toxicity to humans. While there may be individual cases of allergy or mild irritation upon contact with its leaves or flowers, there is no prevalent evidence to suggest that the plant is generally poisonous to humans. However, as with many plants, caution should be exercised, especially with small children, to avoid ingestion of plant parts as they can pose a choking hazard and may cause gastrointestinal discomfort, even in non-toxic plants.
To pets
Syringa pinnatifolia, or the lilac, is generally not considered toxic to pets such as dogs and cats. This plant is not typically listed among those that pose a threat of poisoning to household pets. However, it is always advisable to discourage pets from ingesting the plant as it may potentially cause mild stomach upset despite its non-toxic status. Cats might be more sensitive to floral arrangements and could present with mild gastrointestinal symptoms if they consume significant quantities of the plant material.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Purple
Height
6-10 feet (1.8-3 meters)
Spread
5-7 feet (1.5-2.1 meters)
Plant type
Shrub
Hardiness zones
4
Native area
China
Benefits
General Benefits- Aesthetic Appeal: Lilacs are known for their beautiful blooms and sweet fragrance, enhancing the sensory appeal of any garden or landscape.
- Habitat for Wildlife: They provide food and shelter for various species of birds and butterflies, promoting biodiversity.
- Erosion Control: The root systems of Lilac bushes can help stabilize soil and prevent erosion.
- Windbreak: When planted in rows, they can act as a windbreak, protecting gardens and yards from strong winds.
- Privacy Screen: Lilac bushes can grow dense and tall, making them ideal for creating natural privacy screens around property boundaries.
- Shade: Larger varieties provide shade during hot seasons, contributing to cooler surrounding environments.
- Cultural Significance: Lilacs often hold cultural symbolism and are used in events and traditions, providing cultural value.
Medical Properties- Anti-inflammatory: Syringa pinnatifolia may have properties that can reduce inflammation in the body.
- Antioxidant: The plant may contain compounds that have antioxidant effects, helping to protect cells from damage.
- Antimicrobial: It might possess antimicrobial properties that could inhibit the growth of certain bacteria and fungi.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Syringa pinnatifolia's wood is hard and close-grained, making it suitable for crafting small items such as knife handles or intricate carvings.
- The branches of Syringa pinnatifolia can be used to make durable walking sticks or canes due to their strength.
- Syringa pinnatifolia is sometimes planted as a hedge or screen in gardens, providing both privacy and an attractive floral display.
- The flowers of Syringa pinnatifolia have been used in perfumery, capturing the plant's fragrant scent in aromatic products.
- The plant can be included in educational projects to demonstrate the process of pollination to students.
- Syringa pinnatifolia can be used for bonsai due to its attractive appearance and ability to withstand pruning.
- Due to its dense foliage, Syringa pinnatifolia can serve as a nesting site for birds in landscaped areas.
- The leaves of the plant can be used as a natural dye, providing colors ranging from green to yellow depending on the mordant used.
- Photographers and artists may use Syringa pinnatifolia as a subject for their work, capturing the beauty of its blossoms.
- Syringa pinnatifolia's canopy can provide shade for smaller plants that require indirect sunlight in forest understorey simulations.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Syringa pinnatifolia, commonly known as the peashrub, is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe peashrub is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Purity: The delicate white blooms of Syringa pinnatifolia, commonly known as lilac, are often associated with purity, due to their pristine color and fresh fragrance.
- Innocence: Lilacs can symbolize youthful innocence, perhaps inspired by the soft, tender look of the flower petals and the gentle aroma.
- Renewal: As lilacs are among the first flowers to bloom in spring, they represent renewal and the cycle of life, marking the end of winter and the beginning of a vibrant new season.
- Love: Lilacs, particularly in their more common purple color, have been linked with emotions of love and affection, making them a popular choice for romantic occasions.
- Nostalgia: The evocative scent of lilac flowers is often tied to remembrance and can bring about a strong sense of nostalgia, symbolizing memories of past loves or cherished moments.
WaterPinnate Lilac (Syringa pinnatifolia) should be watered deeply and less frequently to encourage strong root growth, approximately once a week during dry spells. The ideal amount should be around 1 to 1.5 gallons of water for each watering session, allowing the soil to dry out slightly between waterings. During the growing season in spring and summer, the plant might require more frequent watering, especially if it's young or the weather is particularly hot. Reduce watering in the fall to prepare the plant for winter, and in winter, water sparingly, just enough to prevent the soil from completely drying out.
LightPinnate Lilac prefers full sun to partial shade conditions for optimal growth, flourishing in areas that receive at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. Position the plant in a location where it can receive ample bright light, especially in the cooler hours of the morning. Too much shade can lead to sparse blooms and a leggy growth habit.
TemperaturePinnate Lilac is hardy and can withstand a range of temperatures, but it performs best in areas with a distinct chill in the winter, which helps promote bloom set. They can typically survive in temperatures as low as -30 to -20 degrees Fahrenheit and as high as 90 to 95 degrees Fahrenheit. The ideal growing temperatures for Pinnate Lilac are between 60 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit.
PruningPruning Pinnate Lilac is important for removing dead or diseased branches, shaping the plant, and encouraging healthy growth and flowering. It's best to prune the plant just after the flowering period ends, typically in late spring or early summer, since it blooms on old wood. Cut back up to one third of the older branches each year to rejuvenate the plant and stimulate new growth.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe Hinoki cypress (Syringa pinnatifolia) thrives in well-draining soil with a pH of 5.5 to 7.0. A good soil mix contains one part garden soil, one part compost, and one part perlite or coarse sand to ensure proper drainage and fertility.
RepottingThe Hinoki cypress (Syringa pinnatifolia) should be repotted every 2-3 years or when the plant becomes root-bound to ensure continued growth and health.
Humidity & MistingHinoki cypress (Syringa pinnatifolia) prefers moderate humidity levels but is adaptable to lower humidity conditions typically found in temperate climates.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Grow Hinoki cypress in bright light and cool temps.
Outdoor
Plant in sun, well-draining soil, hardy setting.
Hardiness zone
5-7 USDA.
Life cycleSyringa pinnatifolia, commonly known as the pinnate-leaved lilac, starts its life cycle as a seed, which requires stratification to break dormancy and germinate effectively. Upon finding suitable soil conditions, the seed germinates, developing a root system and a shoot that emerges above the ground as a seedling. As the plant grows, it enters the vegetative stage, producing a woody stem, branches, and pinnate leaves that allow for photosynthesis and further growth. The pinnate-leaved lilac reaches maturity and begins its reproductive phase, typically flowering in late spring to early summer, exhibiting fragrant purple flowers that attract pollinators for sexual reproduction. After pollination and fertilization, the plant produces fruits in the form of capsules containing seeds, which are then dispersed by various means such as wind or animal carriers. The plant may enter a period of dormancy during the colder months, with growth resuming in the spring, and the cycle repeats annually as long as the plant lives.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring
The most popular method of propagating Syringa pinnatifolia, commonly known as the Pinnate Lilac, is by taking semi-hardwood cuttings during the summer months when the plant is actively growing. A semi-hardwood cutting is a portion of a branch taken from the current year's growth that has begun to mature and turn woody. Cuttings should be about 4 to 6 inches long (about 10 to 15 centimeters) and have several leaf nodes. It's ideal to use a rooting hormone to encourage root development and then plant the cutting in a well-draining potting mix. The pot should be kept in a warm environment with indirect light and consistent moisture until the cutting has rooted, which typically takes a few weeks. Once rooted, the young plant can be transferred to a larger pot or outdoor location depending on the plant hardiness zone and the time of year.
