The Japanese Lilac grows vigorously in an urban landscape, blooms lavishly in mid- summer, producing panicles of creamy white flowers (the "reticulate" part of its name refers to the net-like array of its flowers). After blooming, it develops decorative gold seed capsules that it holds until mid-winter. The bark also contributes to its overall beauty, which is quite similar to cherry bark and very shiny. In the Conservatory Garden, it serves as the perfect counterpoint to the French Lilac and its bright purple flowers.

The Japanese Lilac is also one of the most fragrant blossoms in the garden, its sweet aroma lingering in the air through the warmth of the early summer months. The variety grown here in Central Park is the very popular "Ivory Silk" cultivar which thrives in all kinds of soils and is extremely hardy. This is certainly a visitor from a far off-land that has made a spectacular new home here in New York.