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What is the difference between Viburnum farreri and lilac? A quick guide to tell them apart

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Leaf difference: the former is papery, elliptical or rhombic-obovate, with triangular serrations. The latter is ovate to reniform, with a smooth surface and no serrations. Flower difference: the former is pink and turns white after opening, with 5 petals, while the latter is purple, with 4 petals.

1. Leaf difference

The leaves of Viburnum farreri are papery, elliptical or rhombic-obovate, about 4-8 cm long, with an acute apex and a cuneate to broadly cuneate base, with triangular serrations.

Lilac leaves are leathery or thickly papery, ovate to reniform, relatively broader and larger than the former, about 2-14 cm long, with a short mucro at first and then a long acuminate tip, and a cordate or broadly cuneate base, with a smooth surface and no serrations.

2. Flower difference

Viburnum farreri bears panicles at the tips of short shoots that will produce young leaves, and the flowers open before the leaves. The flower bud is pink, turning white after opening, the anthers are yellowish white, and there are 5 petals.

Lilac also has panicles, with a purple corolla, yellow anthers, and 4 petals.

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