mock orange

noun

Also called syringa. any of various shrubs belonging to the genus Philadelphus, of the saxifrage family, especially P. coronarius, a widely cultivated species having fragrant white flowers.

any of various other shrubs or trees having flowers or fruit resembling those of the orange, as the laurel cherry.

Origin

1725-35

British Dictionary definitions for mock orange

mock orange

noun

Also called syringa. any shrub of the genus Philadelphus, esp P. coronarius, with white fragrant flowers that resemble those of the orange: family Philadelphaceae

any other shrub or tree that resembles the orange tree

Encyclopedia Article for mock orange

genus of deciduous shrubs of the family Hydrangeaceae, including the popular garden forms commonly known as mock orange (from its characteristic orange-blossom fragrance) and sweet syringa. Philadelphus, comprising about 65 species, is native to northern Asia and Japan, the western United States, the southern Atlantic coast of the United States, and Mexico. These decorative and fragrant shrubs bloom in the late spring and grow unusually well in dry soils.

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