How much sun does Persian-lilac need?

Persian-lilac grows best in full sun conditions.

When does Persian-lilac bloom?

Persian-lilac blooms in May and June.

Is Persian-lilac toxic to dogs?

Yes. Persian-lilac is listed as toxic to dogs by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (aspca.org). If your pet has been exposed, call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435.

Is Persian-lilac toxic to cats?

Yes. Persian-lilac is listed as toxic to cats by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (aspca.org). If your cat has been exposed, call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435.

Is Persian-lilac toxic to livestock?

Persian-lilac is listed as toxic to grazing livestock such as cattle, sheep, and goats (slight severity) by the USDA PLANTS Database. This is separate from pet (dog and cat) toxicity.

Is Persian-lilac HOA-friendly?

Persian-lilac takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Persian-lilac

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Melia azedarach

Last reviewed: August 2026

Persian-lilac is toxic to dogs and cats.

Listed as toxic by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) (last reviewed 2026-08-15). If your pet has been exposed, call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435and your veterinarian's emergency line.

Pollinator Patch flags toxic plants so you can choose a pet-safe native alternative for your yard.

Persian-lilac is listed as toxic to grazing livestock (cattle, sheep, and goats) at a slight level by the USDA PLANTS Database (opens in new tab). This is a livestock indicator and is separate from pet toxicity.

Light

full sun

Water

medium

Size

240"–480" H × 240"–360" W

Bloom

May, Jun

Pollinators

bees

Native alternatives to Persian-lilac

Persian-lilac is not native to the United States. These natives fill a similar role in a planting, matched on bloom season, bloom color and mature size.

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Persian lilac is a fast-growing deciduous tree that produces fragrant clusters of purple flowers in late spring. This adaptable tree develops a rounded crown and can tolerate various soil conditions once established.

In an HOA neighborhood

Persian-lilac takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: moderate. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Produces messy fruit drop
Fast growth can appear uncontrolled

Wildlife value

The fragrant flowers attract bees and other pollinators during the May-June bloom period. Birds may use the tree for nesting, though the berries can be toxic to some wildlife.

Common questions

How much sun does Persian-lilac need?: Persian-lilac grows best in full sun conditions.
When does Persian-lilac bloom?: Persian-lilac blooms in May and June.
Is Persian-lilac toxic to dogs?: Yes. Persian-lilac is listed as toxic to dogs by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (aspca.org). If your pet has been exposed, call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435.
Is Persian-lilac toxic to cats?: Yes. Persian-lilac is listed as toxic to cats by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (aspca.org). If your cat has been exposed, call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435.
Is Persian-lilac toxic to livestock?: Persian-lilac is listed as toxic to grazing livestock such as cattle, sheep, and goats (slight severity) by the USDA PLANTS Database. This is separate from pet (dog and cat) toxicity.
What pollinators does Persian-lilac attract?: Persian-lilac draws bees.
Is Persian-lilac HOA-friendly?: Persian-lilac takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

If something looks wrong

Common plant problems, and what to check first

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