The Tree Lilac, Syringa reticulata, 'Ivory Silk' is a heavily flowering tree, covered by large plumes of small white flowers in the beginning of summer. Its dark green leaves blending with the fragrant white flowers are a favorite for spring-time landscapes. This small deciduous tree has recently attracted the interest of urban foresters as a small tree for planting under power lines. The leaves are similar to the common lilac shrub, dark green and oppositely attached to a shiny brown, stout stem.
The Japanese tree lilac is very hardy and able to withstand winter temperatures as low as 30 degrees below zero. The Ivory Silk Tree Lilac is useful as a specimen or a street tree, as well as in a group, screen, or windbreak. It flowers more heavily than other lilac species. Ivory Silk is probably the most trouble free and tough lilac that is available.