Scientific Name: Ceanothus Leucodermis
Tree Name: Wild Lilac Angiosperm or Gymnosperm: Angiosperm Natural Habitat: North American Native Leaf Pattern: Ovate leafs, serrated edges, glossy upper surface, varying in size from 1/2 to 3 inches. Germination Process: Flower in May and June, and fruit in July. Seeds are covered in water-resistant coat that only opens to heat, preventing rapid germination. Animals and Plants in Area: Bees, larvae of butterflies and moths and other beneficial insects use the Wild Lilac as a feeding plant. The Wild Lilac can be used as shrubbery in a garden with many other flowers and trees. Bark: Light brown, scaly bark. Ethnobotany (Human Use): The Kumeyaay tribe used the Wild Lilac plant as a remedy for skin rashes and infections like poison oak and impetigo. They would boil the leaves, berries and sap from the plant to make a liquid and apply it on the skin. Other tribes like the Pion and the Kwee-tahk would construct crowbars out of the wild lilac branches to dig holes for the posts of their new huts (Lee, M.H., pg. 59). Wild Lilacs have become very popular in modern flower gardens and other forms of natural decoration. With their purplish-blue clusters of flowers and evergreen branches and leaves, they are very appealing. Wild Lilacs are also known for neutralizing and replenishing the soil in gardens and restoring wild lands. They can be used as compliments in a garden to fill space, border walk ways, or steal the show in nature. Summarize Research: In 2009-2010, research began in Kosovo to see how certain plants effected the landscape architecture of a given area. Landscape architecture refers to the design of outdoor public areas, parks, landmarks and outdoor monuments. Researchers found that the use of different plants, including wild lilacs, in landscape architecture made for a better experience in those areas. Wild lilac flowers bloom in the summer months starting in June, peaking in July and tapering off in August. The beautiful flowers produced as well as the sent make for a positive outdoor experience in landscape architectural areas (Belaj, N. et al., pgs. 145-147). |
Wild Lilac, #4
Leaves of Wild Lilac
Branches of Bark of Wild Lilac
Flowers of Wild Lilac
Surroundings of Wild Lilac
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Since 1956, researchers have been using wild lilacs to help study the onset of North American spring. Most of this research has been conducted by data collected from volunteer accounts between 1956 to 2003. Researchers looked at accounts of when the first lilacs would blossom to see if it was earlier or later in a year, trying to discover if spring was coming earlier or later. They haven't found a conclusion yet, however, lilacs as well as many other plants and animals have been monitored for almost have a decide it the hopes of learning more about the onset of spring in North America (Brunsdon, C., Comber, X., pgs 675, 687).
Another study done by Xiaoyang Zhang and colleagues used both volunteer accounts and satellite imaging on vegetation to conclude that spring has began slightly earlier and earlier over 25 years. This "spring green-up" when plant buds begin to grow at winter's end has begun earlier and earlier due to global warming. Researchers discovered that this information is only accurate in the northern states, and not evident in the south (Reebs, S., pg. 14).
Creative Essay:
There is no question why they call the Wild Lilac "a gardeners best friend." This beautiful plant can fill empty space in your garden or steal the show. The North American native has ovate leaves with serrated edges. Their cobalt blue flowers that bloom May through July are tiny little things, but grow in bundles and make for a beautiful clash of color within the plant as well as any other flowers in your garden. Wild Lilacs can also be used to attract pollinators like bees, butterflies and moths. Some use the Wild Lilac to balance the soil-chemical compound which can be helpful when a neutralization in necessary. Legend has it, some Native American tribes would grow the wild lilac and use it as a remedy against poison oak, poison ivy or poison sumac.
References:
Balaj, F., Balaj, N., Hasani, F., Haxhinasto, L., Lushi, I. (2012) The study of flowering shrubs cultivators in the environment architecture and urban landscape. Research Journal of Agricultural Science, 44 (2), 145-150.
Brunsdon, C., Comber, L. (2012). Assesing the changing flowering date of the common lilac in North America: a random coefficient model approach. GeoInformatica, 16 (4), 675, 687.
Hightower, S. (n.d.). Ceanothus. UC Sonoma Master Gardens. Retrieved October 13, 2013, from ucnr.edu/sights/sgmc/plant_of_the_month
Jackson, A. (n.d.). Wild Lilac/ Michigan Nature Association. Michigan Nature Association/ Protecting Michigan's Natural Areas for 60 years. Retrieved October 13, 2013, from http://michigannature.wordpress.com/tag/lilac/
Lee, H.M. (1989). Indians of the Oaks. San Diego: San Diego Museum of man.
Plant of the Month:: Ceanothus Species (California Lilac, Wild Lilac). (n.d.). Golden West College:: Huntington Beach, CA. Retrieved October 13, 2013, from http://goldenwestcollege.edu/garden
Reebs, S. (2008). Spring Timing. Natural History, 117 (1). pg. 14.
Another study done by Xiaoyang Zhang and colleagues used both volunteer accounts and satellite imaging on vegetation to conclude that spring has began slightly earlier and earlier over 25 years. This "spring green-up" when plant buds begin to grow at winter's end has begun earlier and earlier due to global warming. Researchers discovered that this information is only accurate in the northern states, and not evident in the south (Reebs, S., pg. 14).
Creative Essay:
There is no question why they call the Wild Lilac "a gardeners best friend." This beautiful plant can fill empty space in your garden or steal the show. The North American native has ovate leaves with serrated edges. Their cobalt blue flowers that bloom May through July are tiny little things, but grow in bundles and make for a beautiful clash of color within the plant as well as any other flowers in your garden. Wild Lilacs can also be used to attract pollinators like bees, butterflies and moths. Some use the Wild Lilac to balance the soil-chemical compound which can be helpful when a neutralization in necessary. Legend has it, some Native American tribes would grow the wild lilac and use it as a remedy against poison oak, poison ivy or poison sumac.
References:
Balaj, F., Balaj, N., Hasani, F., Haxhinasto, L., Lushi, I. (2012) The study of flowering shrubs cultivators in the environment architecture and urban landscape. Research Journal of Agricultural Science, 44 (2), 145-150.
Brunsdon, C., Comber, L. (2012). Assesing the changing flowering date of the common lilac in North America: a random coefficient model approach. GeoInformatica, 16 (4), 675, 687.
Hightower, S. (n.d.). Ceanothus. UC Sonoma Master Gardens. Retrieved October 13, 2013, from ucnr.edu/sights/sgmc/plant_of_the_month
Jackson, A. (n.d.). Wild Lilac/ Michigan Nature Association. Michigan Nature Association/ Protecting Michigan's Natural Areas for 60 years. Retrieved October 13, 2013, from http://michigannature.wordpress.com/tag/lilac/
Lee, H.M. (1989). Indians of the Oaks. San Diego: San Diego Museum of man.
Plant of the Month:: Ceanothus Species (California Lilac, Wild Lilac). (n.d.). Golden West College:: Huntington Beach, CA. Retrieved October 13, 2013, from http://goldenwestcollege.edu/garden
Reebs, S. (2008). Spring Timing. Natural History, 117 (1). pg. 14.