History of the Syringa 
The sweet smelling Syringa, which is Idaho's state flower, is part of the Hydrangea family. Its species name, Lewisii, honors Captain Meriwether Lewis, who collected it in this area along the Bitterroot River in 1806. The Syringa is also known as Mock-Orange, Bridal Wreath and Indian Arrowwood. Its straight stems were used by Native People in making arrows, while the leaves, roots and branches were used for medicinal purposes.In late June, the lovely "orange blossom" fragrance of the Syringa fills the mountain air as swallowtail butterflies sip its nectar. It is fitting that the Syringa Suite looks out over the Japanese water garden, where varieties of Japanese hydrangeas bloom throughout the summer. In late June, these splendid garden varieties are paired with our native beauty which covers the hillsides in white, like a fragrant blanket of soft winter snow. |