common lilac Oleaceae Syringa vulgaris L.   symbol: SYVU
	Leaf: Opposite, simple, broadly ovate, 2 to 4 inches long, 1 1/2 to 3 inches, heart-shaped, entire, dark green to bluish green above, lighter below. Flower: Light purple, pink or even white (cultivar dependent), fragrant, flowers in terminal clusters, 4 to 7 inches long, appearing in late spring. Fruit: Dry, brown capsules, 1/2 inch long. Twig: Stout, angled (almost 4 sided) or ridged, lustrous brown, glabrous, numerous raised lenticels; leaf scars raised, crescent-shaped; buds large, green but turning purple in the winter. Bark: Gray to gray-brown, smooth but becoming finely shreddy when large. Form: A multi-stemmed, suckering, tall shrub reaching up to 15 feet in height.
	USDA Plants Database Syringa vulgaris is planted in the highlighted USDA hardiness zones to the left and may seed into the landscape. See a map of the states in which common lilac has escaped (opens a new window).