There are lilacs and then there is one called the "California Lilac"
@JamesHxstatic (29410)
Eugene, Oregon
May 16, 2016 6:51pm CST
All lilacs are beautiful, I think, whether they are the deep purple ones or the lighter colors. When we saw this one, called California Lilac," it was the shape of the flower that we liked, and oh, alright, maybe the name as well.
Anne was born in Washington, DC, but moved to the San Fernando Valley in southern California when she was a few months old. I was born in Texas, but moved to southern California at age 15, went to high school and lived there for another 12 years, before I moved to Oregon.
We both have fond memories of California so planting three of these lilacs in our yard seemed like a good idea. We won't tell the Oregonians the plants' real name though.
33 people like this
30 responses
@LadyDuck (502945)
• Italy
17 May 16
@JamesHxstatic We lived in Los Angeles in 1990, it was not too bad.
3 people like this
@JamesHxstatic (29410)
• Eugene, Oregon
17 May 16
I was back there a year or so ago and was surprised at how clean the air is now compared to the 1960s.
3 people like this
@DeborahDiane (40852)
• Laguna Woods, California
17 May 16
@JamesHxstatic - The air in Southern California has improved dramatically over the years, especially since the auto emission standards have become so strict.
2 people like this
@TheHorse (238390)
• Walnut Creek, California
12 Jun 16
@JamesHxstatic Sounds like a good thing.
2 people like this
@JamesHxstatic (29410)
• Eugene, Oregon
17 May 16
That's the thing about Oregon; nothing has a proper shape and no one cares much.
4 people like this
@celticeagle (190074)
• Boise, Idaho
17 May 16
We have the big bush type of Lilacs here. Not sure of the variety. Love them. They were my mom's favorite. Love the fragrance.
4 people like this
@celticeagle (190074)
• Boise, Idaho
17 May 16
@JamesHxstatic ....That's nice. My daughter bring bouquets to me when she walks in certain areas.
2 people like this
@JamesHxstatic (29410)
• Eugene, Oregon
17 May 16
Yes, the fragrance of lilacs is wonderful. I knew a woman once who loved lilacs so much that I stopped the car and cut lilacs to take to her.
3 people like this
@ElizabethWallace (12069)
• United States
17 May 16
No, I would keep the name a secret. Is there still a disdain in the north for all things California. Or, have they gotten over it?
2 people like this
@JamesHxstatic (29410)
• Eugene, Oregon
17 May 16
Mostly over it these days, since there are so many former Californians here.
2 people like this
@JamesHxstatic (29410)
• Eugene, Oregon
18 May 16
@ElizabethWallace I used to know a couple of women who wore SNOB tee shirts. (Society of Native Oregon Born).
1 person likes this
@ElizabethWallace (12069)
• United States
18 May 16
@JamesHxstatic Good. It would be sad if the animosity was still around.
1 person likes this
@JohnRoberts (109841)
• Los Angeles, California
17 May 16
I live in the San Fernando Valley!
3 people like this
@JamesHxstatic (29410)
• Eugene, Oregon
17 May 16
Anne is from Granada Hills and her family owned the second IHOP franchise in Northridge.
2 people like this
@JohnRoberts (109841)
• Los Angeles, California
17 May 16
@JamesHxstatic Once worked in Northridge!
2 people like this
@ElizabethWallace (12069)
• United States
17 May 16
@JohnRoberts I grew up in Sepulveda, which is now called West North Hills (funny story there).
2 people like this
@teamfreak16 (43685)
• Denver, Colorado
17 May 16
Those are pretty. I like lilacs. We had a tree in the yard when I was a kid.
2 people like this
@JamesHxstatic (29410)
• Eugene, Oregon
18 May 16
I don't recall lilacs in Texas or California, but Oregon is definitely lilac country.
1 person likes this
@JamesHxstatic (29410)
• Eugene, Oregon
18 May 16
@teamfreak16 It seems that they are doing well so far.
1 person likes this
@teamfreak16 (43685)
• Denver, Colorado
18 May 16
@JamesHxstatic - this was in Nevada. I've liked their scent ever since. Plus, they are pretty. Judging from your photo they grow pretty good there!
1 person likes this
@ElusiveButterfly (45941)
• United States
17 May 16
Lovely flowers. Purple is my favorite of colors. Of course, my gardens are full of purple hues in various shades. Just can't find another color that I like more.
2 people like this
@JamesHxstatic (29410)
• Eugene, Oregon
17 May 16
True, purple flowers are exceptional.
2 people like this
@ElusiveButterfly (45941)
• United States
17 May 16
@JamesHxstatic I do have a few blues in there too. Have a lovely globe thistle.
1 person likes this
@GardenGerty (169590)
• United States
17 May 16
I am guessing it is not a true lilac, but is a lovely and fragrant shrub or plant that flowers lavender or purple. I would love to see it in person. Lilacs need a cold season to set the blooms for the next year. I know we could not grow them near the coast in Southern California but my friend said they could grow them up in the mountains.
2 people like this
@Hatley (163772)
• Garden Grove, California
18 May 16
@JamesHxstatic Iam not either I wish I had some ground i would plant one an see if it would grow here.
1 person likes this
@JamesHxstatic (29410)
• Eugene, Oregon
18 May 16
I am not certain about whether they can grow at all in that area.
1 person likes this
@toniganzon (77346)
• Philippines
17 May 16
Yeah you shouldn't tell the Oregonians that. 
Thanks for telling us though. The flower is so pretty.
Thanks for telling us though. The flower is so pretty.2 people like this
@JamesHxstatic (29410)
• Eugene, Oregon
17 May 16
I won't say a word! Thanks for reading!
1 person likes this
@cindiowens (5120)
• North Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
17 May 16
You can call them Oregon Lilacs. Well, they are now, right?
2 people like this
@JamesHxstatic (29410)
• Eugene, Oregon
17 May 16
Nooooo @polyxena, don't do that, Ii could be deported.
1 person likes this
@polyxena (2628)
• Sturgis, Michigan
17 May 16
@JamesHxstatic Oh I'll tell everyone. Though I don't know anyone from Oregon
1 person likes this
I am not sure if we can plant them here, as I am staying in a tropical country. 
@crazyhorseladycx (39503)
• United States
17 May 16
a most interestin'ly shaped flower indeed! i wonder if'n they're drought proof? i've only 2 lilac bushes left 'fter years'f drought 'n fear the shock'f the rains last year kinda did those a disservice. they're comin' 'p from the roots, but alas i'd no flowers this spring :(
2 people like this
@andriaperry (118793)
• Anniston, Alabama
17 May 16
They are lovely. I adore any flower.
2 people like this
@fishtiger58 (29819)
• Momence, Illinois
17 May 16
How unusual I would have bought them too just because they are so different from the lilac bushes we have in Illinois.
2 people like this
