The purpose of this resource is to have students observe their lilac plants and identify the five phenophases (first leaf, full or 95% leafed, first bloom, full bloom and end of bloom) for each lilac plant. During the growing season, students will observe their lilac plants and identify the five phenophases (first leaf, full or 95% leafed, first bloom, full bloom and end of bloom) for each lilac plant. Educational levels: Primary elementary, Intermediate elementary, Middle school, High school

The GLOBE Program, University Corporation for Atmospheric Research (UCAR)

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GLOBE® 2005 Clonal and Common Lilac Protocol - 1 Earth System Science
Learning A
ctivities
A
ppendix
W
elcom
e
Introduction
Protocols
Clonal and Common and  
Lilac Protocol
Purpose
Record the five phenophases of either common 
or clonal lilac plants.
Overview
During the growing season, students will 
observe their lilac plants and identify the five 
phenophases (first leaf, full or 95% leafed, first 
bloom, full bloom and end of bloom) for each 
lilac plant.
Student Outcomes
Students will learn to,
- Identify the five phenophases of lilac 
plant;
- Examine relationships between weather 
and climate, and when the phenophases 
occur;
- Communicate with other GLOBE schools;
- Collaborate with other GLOBE schools;
- Share observations by submitting data to 
GLOBE archive.
Science Concepts
Earth and Space Sciences
Weather changes from day to day and over 
the seasons.
The sun is the major source of energy at 
Earth’s surface.
Life Sciences
Organisms can only survive in environments 
where their needs are met.
Organisms’ functions relate to their 
environment.
Organisms change the environment in 
which they live.
Plants and animals have life cycles.
Energy for life derives mainly from the sun.
Living systems require a continuous input 
of energy to maintain their chemical and 
physical organizations.
Scientific Inquiry Abilities
Identify answerable questions.
Design and conduct scientific 
investigations.
Use appropriate mathematics to analyze 
data.
Develop descriptions and explanations 
using evidence.
Recognize and analyze alternative 
explanations.
Communicate procedures and explanations.
Time
5-10 minutes
Frequency
Once a day preferably at the same time each day, 
starting in early spring to the end of bloom
Materials and Tools
For Site Definition (once only)
- GPS Field Guide
- GPS Data Sheet
- GPS
- Compass
- Camera
For Observations
- Clonal and Common Lilac Site Field Guide
- Clonal and Common Lilac Site Definition 
Sheet
- Clonal and Common Lilac Field Guide
- Clonal and Common Lilac Data Sheet
- Pencil or pen
For Planting and Care
- Pail
- Bone meal or superphosphate
- Fertilizer
- Peat moss or compost
- Wooden or metal stakes
- Flagging tape
GLOBE® 2005 Clonal and Common Lilac Protocol - 2 Earth System Science
Preparation
Make copies of Data Sheets
Make color copies of color photographs of the 
5 phenophases (if color copier is available)
Prerequisites
Practice identifying phenophases of lilac 
plants
Introduction
The Common and Clonal Lilac Protocol asks students 
to examine one or two species of plants– lilacs 
(Syringa vulgaris and S. chinensis). Budburst, Green-
up and Green-down Protocols, on the other hand, 
ask students to observe native vegetation in their 
area. In places where lilacs grow, students can 
observe the budding and blooming of common 
lilac plants. There may be plants already growing 
at or nearby your school, or a lilac plant can be 
bought and planted for students to observe. Clonal 
plants (Syringa chinensis) are genetically identical 
individuals. Cloned plants are available in limited 
supply each year. GLOBE schools can apply to 
receive a pair of cloned lilac plants.
Plants of the same species respond similarly 
to environmental changes, such as changes in 
temperature and moisture, even if they are located 
in different regions in the world. By having a 
network of lilac plants around the world (where 
this plant species is capable of growing), scientists 
can then examine regional and global patterns in 
phenology. Clonal plants respond identically to 
environmental changes. Variations observed in 
the dates of growth stage events in clonal plants 
can be clearly linked to climate rather than to 
variations between individual plants.
Scientists will use on-the-ground observations of 
native trees to refine the interpretation of satellite 
data. Scientists are interested in learning how 
native vegetation responds from year-to-year and 
over many, many years. Clonal and common lilac 
observations serve as vital links between satellite 
measurements and native plant phenology in 
local areas. Phenology data will improve models 
of Earth systems and understanding of global 
climate change. Lilac and native tree phenology 
observations are easy and inexpensive and are 
a wonderful way to learn about interactions 
between plants and the atmosphere and soil.
GLOBE® 2005 Clonal and Common Lilac Protocol - 3 Earth System Science
Learning A
ctivities
A
ppendix
W
elcom
e
Introduction
Protocols
Teacher Support
How to obtain common or clonal lilac 
plants
Common lilacs can be bought at a local garden 
center. Please make sure you buy lilac plants with 
the scientific name Syringa vulgaris. They are often 
called ‘old-fashioned’ or ‘hedge’ lilacs. Only grow 
lilacs if the local climate can support them. Do not 
perform the protocol in areas where continued 
watering is required for lilacs to survive. If you 
have any questions about the lilac’s ability to thrive 
“naturally” in your region, please consult a local 
horticulture specialist.
Cloned plants are available in limited supply each 
year. GLOBE schools can apply to receive a pair 
of cloned lilac plants. Up to twenty-five GLOBE 
schools will be selected each year and given two 
clonal lilac plants. Selection will be made from 
geographically diverse areas where the lilacs are 
likely to grow successfully. Preference will be given 
to schools making the GLOBE Chief Scientist’s 
Atmosphere Honor Roll. To be eligible, the school 
must commit to participate in this special project 
for a minimum of five years and also must plant 
and observe at least two common lilac plants. The 
common and clonal lilacs must be planted next to 
one another so that they will experience the same 
climate conditions.
To apply for cloned lilac plants, please send 
your GLOBE School name, mailing address, GPS 
coordinates and a written statement of commitment 
to participate in this research for five years from 
the school principal or other appropriate authority 
to Prof. Schwartz (email: mds@uwm.edu or Fax: 
(414) 229-3981).
Advance Preparation
Use the pictures of the five phenophases to teach 
students how to correctly identify the growth 
stages on their lilac shrubs.
Measurement Procedures
When to Start Observations:
In the middle of winter, lilac buds are desiccated 
(dried out) and appear somewhat ‘shriveled’ 
(winter buds closed). 
In late winter, after conditions begin to warm, the 
buds hydrate (swell due to becoming moist) and 
the tips open slightly (winter buds open).
Watching for these two events is the best way to 
know when to start daily observations looking for 
first leaf. Once the buds have swelled and bud ends 
are slightly open and a bit green, the next round of 
warm weather can force the first leaf event. 
GLOBE® 2005 Clonal and Common Lilac Protocol - 4 Earth System Science
    Phenophases of the Lilac Shrub:
1. First leaf is when the widest part of the newly 
emerging leaf has grown beyond the ends of  
its opening winter bud scales. The leaf is 
distinguished by its prominent midrib and veins 
2. Full or 95% leafed is when nearly all (at least 
95%) of the actively growing leaf buds have 
already leafed 
GLOBE® 2005 Clonal and Common Lilac Protocol - 5 Earth System Science
3. First bloom is when at least 50% of the flower clusters have at least one open 
flower. The lilac flower cluster is a grouping of many, small individual flowers.
4. Full bloom is when 95% of the flower clusters no longer have any unopened 
flowers but before many of the flowers have withered 
5. End of bloom is when at least 95% of the flowers have withered or dried up and 
the floral display has ended.
GLOBE® 2005 Clonal and Common Lilac Protocol - 6 Earth System Science
Connections to Other Measurements
Before you plant your lilacs, you could either dig 
a soil pit or collect a soil profile with an auger and 
perform a soil characterization following the Soil 
Characterization Field Measurement Protocol in the 
Soil Chapter. If the soil profile has been affected 
by previous plantings, or the addition of water 
and fertilizer, please mention this in the comment 
section on the Soil Characterization Data Sheet.
Measurements of air and soil temperature, soil 
moisture, and precipitation could lead to very 
interesting student research projects exploring 
relationships between atmosphere and soil 
measurements, and plant phenology.
Site Selection
Choose a site that represents the natural soil and 
climate of the region. Use the following guidelines 
to help you select a site. We realize that you may 
not be able to locate an “ideal” site. Do the best you 
can and record any deviations from the ideal in 
the comment (metadata) section on your Common 
and Clonal Lilac Site Definition Sheet.
Find a location to plant your shrubs with the 
following specifications:
• An unshaded place that is away from 
buildings, trees, or other obstacles. The 
minimum distance from the base of any 
obstacle should be at least 2 times the 
height of that obstacle.
• Away from footpaths, sidewalks, and 
roads. The distance from a two-lane road 
should be at least 8 meters. The distance 
from a large eight-land highway should be 
at least 25 meters.
• Easily accessible.
• Where there is no risk of plants being 
trampled by people or animals.
• Where excessive amounts of snow do not 
accumulate from drifting or plowing.
• On a level surface. If you have a hilly 
landscape, avoid if possible, the low areas 
that can unduly delay shrub development 
in the Spring. Avoid places with slopes 
greater than 3 degrees.
• In soil commonly found in your area. 
Avoid planting in soil, such as a garden, 
that has received heavy applications of 
manure or compost.
• Where there are no special microclimates 
(such as frost pockets or windy slopes) for 
plants.
• Avoid places with lots of artificial light.
Planting and Care
1. Planting
Lilac shrubs can be planted as soon as the ground 
is warm in the spring and on into the summer, 
provided there is at least a month of warm weather 
to bring out leaves before the cold season. Late 
spring, early summer planting is best.
Materials
❑ Pail
❑ Bone meal or superphosphate
❑ Fertilizer
❑ Peat moss or compost
❑ Wooden or metal stakes
❑ Flagging tape
Note: The quality and validity of data depend 
strongly upon healthy shrubs, so you should 
observe the following practices to ensure their 
health. You may want to consult a horticulturist.
1. As soon as you get the plants, soak the 
roots in a pail of water for a few hours.
2. Dig holes deep enough to just cover the 
roots and wide enough you can spread 
roots horizontally. Leave at least 5 meters 
between plants.
3. Mix about 120 ml of bone meal or 
superphosphate into the soil in which 
the plant is going to be planted. In heavy 
clay soils or in very sand soils, add equal 
parts of compost to backfill soil to improve 
growing conditions.
4. At least once a week for the first month, 
water the new transplants until the soil is 
soaked.
GLOBE® 2005 Clonal and Common Lilac Protocol - 7 Earth System Science
Learning A
ctivities
A
ppendix
W
elcom
e
Introduction
Protocols
5. Apply either a dry fertilizer such as  
10-10-10 or a liquid soluble one during 
the first growing season according to label 
directions.
6. Place a wooden or metal stake beside each 
plant to indicate its location and prevent 
accidental damage.
7. Mark each shrub with flagging tape or 
some other durable identification. Label 
the flagging tape with the name of the 
plant variety for each shrub.
2. Annual Care
Materials
❑ 5-10-10 fertilizer or its equivalent
❑ Mulch: peat moss, bark, well-rotted 
sawdust or similar organic matter
1. Spread 50 g of 5-10-10 fertilizer or its 
equivalent evenly around each plant.
 Shrub fertilizer stakes may be used instead.
2. Keep the soil within 30 cm of the base of 
each plant free of grass and weeds with 
a mulch of peat moss, bark, well-rotted 
sawdust, wood chips, or similar organic 
material.
3. During a long dry period, you may have to 
water the plants.
4. During the first and second years, the 
plants may need extra care to make sure 
that they are strong. After that, fertilizers 
may not be needed. Check periodically to 
make sure that they are in good health.
3. Pruning
Plants should be pruned every 5-10 years to 
maintain good shape. Prune lilacs immediately 
after bloom in spring because the following year 
flower buds are formed on new wood that grows 
after bloom. Avoid fall pruning because it will 
destroy the buds for the next year. Old, dried-up 
flowers may be cut off if desired so that the shrubs 
do not look unsightly.
One or more of the older main stems at the base 
of the plant may be removed and some, or all, of 
the remaining stems trimmed back to maintain the 
size and shape desired. Never remove more than 
1/3 of the plant at any one time.
4. Protection Against Disease, Pests, 
and Severe Weather
These plants are relatively resistant to insects 
and diseases. Occasionally they may be affected 
by powdery mildew, leaf spot, scale, or aphids. 
Control measures rarely are needed except for 
scales. Should these diseases or insects become 
serious, regular applications of a pesticide may 
be necessary. Contact the Agricultural Extension 
Service in your state, province or county for the 
latest control recommendations.
In some locations animals, such as rabbits and 
mice, may severely damage the plants. Wire-
mesh guards around the base of the plants help 
to control such damage.
For winter protection in areas of little snowfall, 
5-10 cm of mulch around the base of each plant 
will protect its roots from frost damage. To 
prevent breakage from ice, wrap stems together 
loosely with twine or place burlap (such as from 
a feed bag) on a frame over the plant. Do not use 
plastic.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Are these plants invasive? 
No. Lilacs are not invasive. The clonal 
lilacs are also sterile hybrids that 
produce no seeds.
2. Can we plant both clonal and common 
lilacs? 
Yes. Comparison data between the clonal and 
common lilacs are highly desirable.
3. What do I do if a lilac shrub dies? 
On the Lilac Site Definition page, record when the 
plant died. You can plant another lilac shrub and 
enter the new planting information.
4. What if all our lilacs die? 
Plant new lilacs and define a new site.
GLOBE® 2005 Clonal and Common Lilac Protocol - 8 Earth System Science
Common and Clonal Lilac 
Site Definition Field Guide
Task
To take photographs and locate the latitude, longitude, and elevation of your lilac site
What You Need
❑ Common and Clonal Lilac Site Definition Sheet ❑ Compass
❑ Basic GPS Field Guide ❑ Camera
❑ GPS Data Sheet ❑ Flagging tape or some other durable         
  identification
❑ GPS receiver ❑ Tape measure
❑ Pencil or pen
In the Field
1. Fill out the top portion of the Common and Clonal Lilac Site Definition Sheet.
2. Identify the latitude, longitude, and elevation following the Basic GPS Measurement Protocol.
3. If known, record the distance and direction to, and elevation difference with, your Atmosphere 
Site. 
4. Label each shrub with flagging tape or some other durable identification.
5. Measure the height of each lilac plant.
6. Take photos in the North, East, South, West directions. Use the compass to determine the 
directions.
7. Submit photos to GLOBE by mailing them to the address given in the Implementation Guide in 
the GLOBE Teacher’s Guide.
GLOBE® 2005 Clonal and Common Lilac Protocol - 9 Earth System Science
Clonal and Common Lilac 
Protocol
Field Guide
Task
Observe when the five phenophases of common or clonal lilacs occur
What You Need
❑ Common and Clonal Lilac Data Sheet
❑ Pencil or pen
In the Field
1. Examine each lilac plant.
2. For each lilac plant, record dates of the five phenophases on the Common and Clonal Lilac Data 
Sheet. The five phenophases in order are:
First leaf: when the widest part of the first new leaf has grown beyond the end of its bud.
Fully leafed: when nearly all (greater than 95%) of the actively growing leaf buds have 
leafed
First bloom: when at least 50% of the flower clusters have at least one open flower .
Full bloom: when greater than 95% of the flower clusters no longer have any unopened 
flowers but before many of the flowers have withered.
End of bloom: when greater than 95% of the flowers have withered or dried.
3. In the autumn, measure the height of each lilac plant. This is done once a year only. Record if 
the lilac plant appears to be in poor health.


Clonal and Common and Lilac Protocol

http://www.globe.gov/documents/356823/2538681/earth_prot_phenlilac.pdf

Clonal and Common and Lilac Protocol

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