Common Lilac

Common Lilac
Syringa vulgaris

So, how is Common Lilac a Plant of Indiana?  Like daffodils and other garden/landscape plants, these are found around old homesites that have been abandoned.  They can persist for years.  If you spot one on a nature preserve or park, look around for an old foundation.  Often, the only thing left from an old house is the foundation, and daffodils and lilacs.

The nice thing about lilacs is that they are not invasive, and don't really reproduce well in the wild, so they don't out-compete native plants.  They're also quite pretty and smell nice, and they're edible!

The flower petals are edible.  There are a bunch of things you can do with them; lilac flavored syrup, lilac infused honey, cake decorations, add to salad, lilac vodka cordial, lilac fritters, on and on.  I've never tried eating them before, but now I'm motivated!

Plenty of blossoms to eat and enjoy on this plant.