Did You Know There’s Over 250 Kinds of Lilacs? Michigan Has Them
Did you know that there are about 250 varieties of lilacs in Michigan? Most of them are in one area of the state with a festival that has been celebrating lilacs for 75 years.
Who Doesn't Love the Smell of Lilacs?
One of my favorite things about spring is the sweet smell of lilacs. I'm lucky enough to have 3 lilac bushes on my property, and it's such a joy when I'm outside and a little breeze comes my way filled with the smell of lilacs.
Especially for those who ride, the spring can be fantastic riding when you get into a stretch of Michigan lilacs. Now if you are riding near a pig farm, not so much.
Lilacs Are Not Native Michigan So How Did They Get Here
Lilacs are not native to the United States. They were originally brought here by Dutch and French immigrants. The east coast obviously had gotten them first but it didn't take long for those to spread to other parts of the country.
The rumor on how lilacs got to Michigan is one often told on Mackinac Island about a family by the name of Hubbard who brought them to the island when they came from New Hampshire. This goes all the way back to 1861 and the oldest known lilac can still be seen today on Mackinac Island.
There Are 400 Varieties of Lilacs in Michigan and a Lilac Festival To Celebrate
Michigan is not native to lilacs but now has about 250 varieties with most located on Mackinac Island. Some of the oldest and largest lilacs in the world are on the island.
Lilacs are so popular on Mackinac Island they have had a dedicated festival that is now in its 75th year.
The Lilac Festival on Mackinac Island runs from June 9th through the 18th and wraps up with the grand parade on the final day of the festival. You can get everything you need regarding the event by clicking here.