(Syringa vulgaris)
Family: Oleaceae

Description
A multi-stemmed, suckering, small shrub. Height is 15 ft. (4 m). Bark is gray to gray-brown and smooth, becoming shreddy when large. Leaves are 2–4 in. (5–10 cm) long, 1.5–3 in. (2–7 cm) wide, opposite and broadly ovate. They are dark green to bluish-green above, lighter beneath. The flowers are 4–7 in. (10–17 cm) long, light purple, pink, or white. The fruit are dry, brown capsules 0.5 in. (1 cm) long.

Habitat
Loose well drained soils that are moist but not wet. Landscape plant. Non-native to New Mexico.

Discussion
Lilacs are commonly planted for the beautiful flowers they produce in late spring.