The Dawes Arboretum

Common name: Ivory Silk Japanese tree lilac

Family: Oleaceae (olive family)

Distribution: Species native to Japan

Hardiness: USDA Zone 3

Life form: Deciduous tree

Flower Type / Color: S I - Single White

Comments: This deciduous plant grows into a large shrub or small tree, reaching 20-30' tall and 15' wide, and a rounded habit. It produces huge clusters of creamy white, intensely fragrant flowers from spring to early summer. The bark resembles that of cherry trees, a lustrous reddish brown and exfoliating. Does well as a specimen tree or foundation plant.