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.

Where is Persian-lilac native?

Persian-lilac (Melia azedarach) is native to VA, per the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists.

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: June 2026

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

Native to

Pollinators

bees

Browse plants for this ecoregion

Central California Valley Central California Foothills and Coastal Mountains Southern California Mountains Mojave Basin and Range Chihuahuan Deserts Central Oklahoma/Texas Plains Edwards Plateau Southern Texas Plains East Central Texas Plains Western Gulf Coastal Plain South Central Plains Sonoran Basin and Range

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.
Where is Persian-lilac native?: Persian-lilac (Melia azedarach) is native to VA, per the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists.
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.

Native range data from the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

Ready to grow Persian-lilac? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

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