(I am a little
late writing this column concerning my subject matter). One of my favorite flowers and smell in the
late spring at Bear Lake is the Lilac bush.
This plant has been around for a long time. Originally it was found on the rocky shores
of the Balkan Peninsula. It is member of
the Olive family which contributes to its hardiness. It was introduced to Europe in 1562 by the
Romans and spread throughout the continent in the following years. They were introduced to North America in the
mid-1700’s.
I have always
loved lilacs ever since I was a child, looking at the intricate flower and smelling
them in our backyard. To me, when they
blossom, it means that spring is finally here.
They blossom according to temperature.
First you will see them in along the Wasatch Front and later in Cache
Valley, then finally in Bear Lake. They
seem to grow everywhere and apparently do not need much care once they are
established. You always can always
notice the purple and white flowers around old, broken down structures and
homesteads where no one takes care of them.
As an old,
fisheries biologist operating a fish trap on Swan Creek for 40 years, I would
always look for their blooms. Regardless
of the preceding weather when they appeared it meant the Bear Lake cutthroat
would enter the trap in earnest. One my
favorite, unscientific observations.
I think lilacs are so common people don’t care about them anymore. You rarely see lilacs planted in the new subdivisions or in the bushes in the plant stores. Their aroma and purple color are a base for countless items for sale on the Internet. I love them because they are survivors. Harsh winters, snow, wind, or drought don’t seem to bother them. I will always look forward to seeing them bloom.
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