In the present work, we demonstrated a simple and green synthesis route for shape-controlled ZnS nanocrystals, where only environmentally benign chemicals, namely sulfur, zinc oxide and olive oil, were employed. By controlling the experimental conditions, we were able to tune the band edge and trap state photoluminescences of ZnS nanocrystals and obtain pure excitonic photoluminescence that was rarely observed in literature. The trap state emission was derived from sulfur vacancies and would be eliminated when an excess of sulfur was used during the synthesis. Additionally, the morphology of ZnS nanocrystals could be tuned to appear like flowers, where the formation mechanism was systematically discussed. (c) 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.