How Big Does a Japanese Lilac Tree Grow?

The lilac tree is a larger variety of the bush.

The Japanese lilac tree (Syringa reticulata) is a genus of lilac (Syringa L.) and a member of the olive family (Oleaceae).

Identification

Considered a large shrub or a small tree, the Japanese lilac tree (Syringa reticulata) is similar to a lilac bush, aside from the fact that it has a wider trunk and typically grows to a height of 20 and 30 feet, with a canopy stretching as wide as 25 feet.

Planting Space

The only type of lilac that achieves the stature of a tree, the USDA says that the relatively minimal expected height of a Japanese lilac makes it ideal for planting in areas of small space, including those with overhead power lines. Cultivars of the Japanese lilac include the Ivory silk, Regent, and Summer Snow Japanese lilac tree.

Considerations

However, while 20 to 30 feet is the average height of the tree, the lilac may grow to a more significant proportion. "The largest tree in North Dakota is 45 feet tall with a canopy spread of 39 feet," reports the North Dakota State University Department of Agriculture on its website in 2010. The height and canopy of the Japanese lilac makes it ideal for use as a windbreak.

References

• United States Department of Agriculture: Japanese Lilac Tree
• North Dakota State University Department of Agriculture: Japanese Tree Lilac
• United States Department of Agriculture Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service