So if I understand correctly, all the S. reticulata should (or could) have a common name of Japanese tree lilac? Wouldn't that work for search purposes? And for those who think of any of them as a Chinese tree lilac, let that stand?
Sticking with lilacs, the 'preferred' common name for S. vulgaris was 'Common Lilac.' I've never thought of it as such. It also lists 'French lilac' as a common name, which also does not resonate with me. My impression of French lilacs are the much shorter, not so blowsy, cultivated lilacs. I'd never heard the term 'common lilac.' I thumbed simply 'lilac' for a common name which moved that up to 'preferred' and to me are the regular white and light purple lilacs growing in grandma's yard. Anyone could just as easily thumb either 'common lilac' or 'French lilac' to change that yet again. No harm, no foul.
I just don't think we should negate anyone's common name. It's like saying a person is wrong for saying 'pahTAHto' rather than 'pahTAYto.'
