Bernice Bjornson had this this to say about syringa in 1946: “Four waxy white petals, many yellow-tipped stamens, pistil partly inferior, describes the flowers of Philadelphus lewisii, syringa, the Idaho State flower.  The leaves, ¾-5 inches long, are generally lance-shaped and sparingly toothed.  No better choice for a state flower could have been made.  It has an attractive appearance throughout the growing season, its flowers are fragrant as well, and the plant is statewide in its distribution.  It was discovered by Captain Lewis of Lewis and Clark fame.  It has small utilitarian value in that its leaves when crushed in water make a lather. . . . In the spring masses of the syringa’s white, waxy blooms whiten the hillsides and at the same time they add beauty and fragrance to our gardens as well.”