Lilac (Syringa vulgaris) is common in Europe as a decorative shrub, only rarely grows up to tree size with considerable stem diameters. Originally introduced from Persia in the 16th century, lilac has been widely spread because of its overwhelming and delicately smelling richness of blossoms every spring, ranging from white to deep purple colour,
Lilac wood is one of the most valuable 'domestic exotics', the wood is very hard, one of the densest in Europe, beautiful violet-brown coloured contrasting with golden yellow sapwood and develops a highly pleasant smell when working on it. Lilac wood has traditionally been used for engraving, musical instruments, knife handles and other small fancy items. Unfortunately the stem is nearly always twisted and the woods tendency to split and crack whilst drying is legendary, so large and mostly flawless pieces are real hard to find rarities!
