Domestic Encyclopædia (1802)/Lilac

LILAC, or Syringa, L. a genus of exotic plants, natives of Persia, consisting of three species, the principal of which is the vulgaris, or Common Lilac. It has long been cultivated in our gardens, on account of its ornamental flowers; and, if properly managed, will grow to the height of 18 or 20 feet.

This shrub thrives on almost any soil, but it produces the most beautiful flowers on rich, light land, though it flourishes best on wet grounds. It is propagated by suckers, which should be separated from the parent plants in the month of October, and set in a nursery, in rows three feet asunder, each sucker being one foot distant from the other. In the second or third year, they may be removed to the spot where they are intended to remain. After this operation, no farther attention will be required, except digging about their roots once in the course of the year, and cutting off the suckers; which not only destroy the beauty of the plant, but likewise deprive it of its nourishment.

The leaves of the Common Lilac are frequented by the Spanish Fly:—the yellowish and red-streaked wood of old trees is valuable to turners and cabinet-makers; as the vessels or utensils manufactured of it, are equal to those made of olive-wood, and almost indestructible: bv immersing such articles in a cold dye, consisting of aqua-fortis largely diluted with water, they acquire a fine red colour.—From the flowers of this plant may be distilled an essential oil, similar to that of roses.