Ivory Silk Lilac Tree: Syringa reticula (Japanese Tree Lilac)

This tree is in the wooded margin north of Wagner Rd about 300 yards from the end of the road along the flat area.  You may have to walk in a little, it is near the previously described Cousa Dogwood. There is not a lot online about the tree.  It is small tree or large bush, in the Olive family, non-native deciduous, with an oval to round overall shape.

Our attention was drawn to this tree during the blossoming in early June, large fragrant white blossoms. It may have been the first year of heavy flowering since it was not as prominent previously.  It does not seemed to spread easily. It prefers full sun so that may reduce the bloom. There should be brown capsules following the flowers.  The term syrinx in the name indicates that the white pith in the twigs can be easily removed, leaving a hollow tube.

The photos show the leaves, top and bottom and the trunk.  It might be worth trying to grow from the pods in a full sun area.

Update: No visible pods here in July.  ID is always tentative but the leaves look accurate, there are the white lenticels on the multiple trunks.  Shade could be a factor.  In addition there are multiple suckers on the truck which may be a condition called witches broom.  The multiple thin branches indicate an infection which will eventually kill the plant.  We will watch for seeds later, and for other signs of disease.

trunk and leaves of the Ivory Silk Tree, multiple trunks

Top and bottom leaves, pointed tips,curved veins