Syringa L.

Tutin, T. G., Heywood, V. H., Burges, N. A., Moore, D. M., Valentine, D. H., Walters, S. M. & Webb, D. A., 1972, Flora Europaea. Volume 3. Diapensiacea to Myoporaceae, Cambridge: Cambridge University Press : 54

5. Syringa L. 1

Deciduous shrubs or small trees. Leaves opposite, entire or serrate, simple. Inflorescences terminal or axillary, paniculate; flowers appearing after the leaves. Calyx small, with 4 shallow lobes. Corolla more or less cylindrical with 4 valvate, moreor less cuculiate lobes. Fruit a capsule.

Literature: A. Lingelsheim in Engler, Pflanzenreich 72 (IV. 243): 74-95 (1920). S. D. McKelvey, The Lilac, a Monograph. New York. 1928.

Leaves ovate, with subcordate to broadly cuneate base; inflorescences usually paired from apical axillary buds (terminal bud abortive), usually without basal leaves 1. vulgaris

Leaves elliptical to elliptic-lanceolate, with acute to broadly cuneate base; inflorescences usually solitary, terminal, leafy at the base 2. josikaea