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Common Lilac Observations
Common Lilac Homepage
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Lilac Phenological Events
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Planting and Care
When to Start Observations:
In the middle of winter, lilac buds are desiccated (dried out) and appear somewhat "shriveled" (Lilac). In late winter, after conditions begin to warm, the buds hydrate (swell due to becoming moist) and the tips open slightly (Lilac). Watching for these two events is the best way to know when to start daily observations looking for first leaf. Once the buds have swelled and bud ends are slightly open and a bit green, the next round of warm weather can force the first leaf event.
You should then record when five well-defined phenological events occur for lilac:
- First leaf is the date when the widest part of the newly emerging leaf has grown beyond the ends of its opening winter bud scales in at least three places on the plant under observation. The leaf is distinguished by its prominent midrib and veins (Lilac).
- Full or 95% leafed is the date when nearly all (at least 95%) of the actively growing leaf buds have already reached the first leaf event (Lilac).
- First bloom for lilacs is the date when at least 50% of the flower clusters have at least one open flower (Lilac). The lilac flower cluster is a grouping of many, small individual flowers.
- Full bloom for lilac is the date when 95% of the flower clusters no longer have any unopened flowers, but before many of the flowers have withered (Lilac).
- End of bloom for lilac is the date when at least 95% of the flowers have withered or dried up and the floral display has ended.
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Please record average dates for each event among multiple plants of the same species. Report by email if any plant appears in poor health or event dates for same-species plants vary by more than a few days.
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