On the northern hemisphere there are about 20 different lilac species. The most common, especially in the natural environment, is black elder. Its name might be misleading as its flowers are white. It is a well-known medicinal plant that is frequently used for treating colds and flu. It has antipyretic and antiphlogistic qualities. In the past people used also black elder juice – to dye fabrics and blacken women’s eyebrows. Currently various kinds of lilacs are grown mostly for decorative purposes as well as for intense smell of their flowers.
