lilac daphne (Daphne genkwa) — identification, habitat & look-alikes

Lilac daphne is an East Asian shrub grown in U.S. gardens, with lavender flowers that open before the leaves in early spring. The flowers have little or no fragrance, unlike common lilac. Every part of lilac daphne is poisonous if eaten.

Appearance

Appearance: It is a about 3–5 ft (0.9–1.5 m) tall and wide, with slender stems and clusters of lilac-colored flowers.
Leaves: The narrow, oval leaves are often opposite on the stem.
Flowers: Clusters of three to eight flowers open before the leaves. The four petal-like outer flower parts are lavender to lilac, and the flowers have little or no fragrance.
Flowering time: In central North Carolina, it may flower in early April.
Fruit: The small fruit ripens from green to a pale, translucent color, but fruit is not often seen.

Look-alikes

common lilacSyringa vulgaris

Lilac daphne has small flower clusters along bare stems and little fragrance. Common lilac (Syringa vulgaris) has large, cone-shaped clusters at branch tips and a strong scent.

Why they get mixed upBoth shrubs can be covered with pale purple flowers in spring.

Where it lives

Typical habitats: woodland edges
slopes
gardens
Range: It is native to East Asia, including China and Korea. In the United States it is an uncommon cultivated shrub rather than a native wild plant.
Preferred conditions: It grows in full sun with afternoon shade or partial shade and prefers moist, well-drained soil. In the U.S., it can be grown in hardiness zones 5a–7b.
Flowering: Flowers Apr
Flowers Apr

Cautions

Cautions: All parts are highly poisonous if eaten, so place it away from children and pets that may chew plants.

Name and classification

About the name: Wikstroemia genkwa is another scientific name for this plant. It is also called blue daphne.

Conservation

IUCN Red List: NENot EvaluatedNot yet assessed

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