Lilac

Name: Lilac

Scientific name: Syringa vulgaris

Category: Trees and bushes

Nature Stars: 50

What are nature stars?

About: A popular garden plant, introduced from south east Europe, now sometimes found in hedgerows and woodland edges.

How to identify: Recognisable by the glossy, heart-shaped leaves, smooth bark and the spikes of pale pinky-purple flowers which smell sweetly.

Where: Widespread.

Fantastic fact: Lilac wood is often used for making musical instruments.

Photograph credit: Lesley Middlemass