Common or Peruvian lilac? - Ask Extension
Hello! My son clipped a bunch of lilacs from our backyard today, and while beautiful, I would love to confirm if they’re safe for our cats. I’ve r...
Knowledgebase
Common or Peruvian lilac? #793587
Asked May 31, 2022, 11:30 PM EDT
Hello! My son clipped a bunch of lilacs from our backyard today, and while beautiful, I would love to confirm if they’re safe for our cats. I’ve read that common lilacs are safe, but Peruvian are seriously toxic to felines, can you confirm what I have?
Livingston County Michigan
Expert Response
Hello Isabella
I searched on Peruvian lilac but nothing under that common name came up in my references. Perhaps you meant the plant known as Persian lilac, scientific name Melia azedarach? Melia species are not a true lilac.
Your pictures appear to be a true lilac of the Genus Syringa. Syringa has a simple leaf arranged in pairs opposite each other down the stem. I searched Extension’s research-based references. Syringa species are not listed as toxic to cats, although cats can vomit after eating any plant including grass, catmint, etc. https://dendro.cnre.vt.edu/dendrology/syllabus/factsheet.cfm?ID=324
Edit to add: there is a Syringa x persica, a hybrid which also is commonly called Persian lilac— you see the reason for the confusion!
It belongs to the genus Syringa and so is not listed as toxic to cats by the ASPCA
https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=282949
I think you might have read about a plant which has the common name “Persian lilac” which is of the genus Melia. It has many common names including chinaberry. That is why we go by scientific names of Genus— rather than common names which often overlap.
Plants in the Genus Melia are toxic to cats.
Melia species are hardy to zone 7, and Michigan’s warmest zone is zone 6( colder), so I doubt you have Melia species growing here- it wouldn’t survive the winter. Also, the leaves are different than Syringa— Melia are arranged alternately along the stem, have multiple groups of leaflets and have pinnately arranged leaflets . See the first picture in first link below— that whole group of leaflets is actually one pinnately arranged leaf.
https://dendro.cnre.vt.edu/dendrology/syllabus/factsheet.cfm?ID=328
https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/melia-azedarach/
The ASPCA lists toxic plants, including the Melia species. It does not list Syringa species.. https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control/cats-plant-list
You may check with your veterinarian to confirm that true lilac, scientific name Syringa species, are not toxic to cats.
I searched on Peruvian lilac but nothing under that common name came up in my references. Perhaps you meant the plant known as Persian lilac, scientific name Melia azedarach? Melia species are not a true lilac.
Your pictures appear to be a true lilac of the Genus Syringa. Syringa has a simple leaf arranged in pairs opposite each other down the stem. I searched Extension’s research-based references. Syringa species are not listed as toxic to cats, although cats can vomit after eating any plant including grass, catmint, etc. https://dendro.cnre.vt.edu/dendrology/syllabus/factsheet.cfm?ID=324
Edit to add: there is a Syringa x persica, a hybrid which also is commonly called Persian lilac— you see the reason for the confusion!
It belongs to the genus Syringa and so is not listed as toxic to cats by the ASPCA
https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=282949
I think you might have read about a plant which has the common name “Persian lilac” which is of the genus Melia. It has many common names including chinaberry. That is why we go by scientific names of Genus— rather than common names which often overlap.
Plants in the Genus Melia are toxic to cats.
Melia species are hardy to zone 7, and Michigan’s warmest zone is zone 6( colder), so I doubt you have Melia species growing here- it wouldn’t survive the winter. Also, the leaves are different than Syringa— Melia are arranged alternately along the stem, have multiple groups of leaflets and have pinnately arranged leaflets . See the first picture in first link below— that whole group of leaflets is actually one pinnately arranged leaf.
https://dendro.cnre.vt.edu/dendrology/syllabus/factsheet.cfm?ID=328
https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/melia-azedarach/
The ASPCA lists toxic plants, including the Melia species. It does not list Syringa species.. https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control/cats-plant-list
You may check with your veterinarian to confirm that true lilac, scientific name Syringa species, are not toxic to cats.
oh goodness, I absolutely meant Persian Lilac and I don't know why I kept saying Peruvian. Definitely was time for bed! I am so glad these are true lilacs, and from talking with a friend who LOVES her garden, she confirmed that they're a variety called Miss Kim Korean Lilac (syringa pubescens). I so appreciate the time and detail in your response, and I was definitely not expecting it so quickly, middle of the night!! Thank you so much again!!
You are very welcome. (Well, I must admit I am a ‘night owl’)
