Tree Lilac - Syringa reticulata 'Ivory Silk'

Something to Ponder:

The Ivory Silk Tree Lilac is unassuming tree most of the year. It grows to an average height of about 25 feet; its leaves are dark green in the spring and fall; their life span is a very average 50 years; and its root system is compact making this tree easily transplantable. A native of Japan, this tree was brought to the United States in the late 19th century and has become a fixture in many landscapes and along city streets. All in all, a lovely, but fairly average tree. Except for a two-to-three-week period in late spring or early summer.

During that time, the Ivory Silk explodes in blossoms, fragrance, and beauty. Just like the bush, the flowers of the lilac tree break out with an intoxicating fragrance, but the tree far outshines its smaller cousin in size and beauty. It suddenly becomes anything but normal.

But there are some Ivory Silk trees that don’t blossom, that don’t have their moment to provide their fragrant gift to the landscape. Why? If this tree doesn’t have the full benefit of the sun, if it was planted in full shade, it will not blossom. Full exposure to sunshine is all important to this tree.

Our lives are so much like this tree. In the end, we are all fairly average. We may grow a bit taller or live a bit longer but our time here on earth is limited. That is why the Bible calls us to make the most of it, to be the salt of the earth and a light to the world. We are to be “a fragrant and pleasing aroma to God”. Given an opportunity we should shine and blossom.

The Ivory Silk tree grabs our attention for two or three weeks a year. Are we living our lives in a way that provides a pleasing fragrance to our God for far longer? Only we if we are fully engaged and planted in “full Son” we will fully blossom.

Learn More:

Tree Lilac-Syringa reticulata, commonly called Chinese Tree Lilac, typically grows as a small tree up to 30 feet tall and 20 feet wide with an oval-rounded crown. Its best ornamental feature is its showy, fragrant, creamy white flowers which bloom in upright panicles up to 12 inches long in late spring to early summer. Some gardeners dislike the privet-like smell of the flowers. This tree is a commonly planted street tree in Carmel.