lilac, (genus Syringa), genus of about 25 species of fragrant and beautiful northern spring-flowering shrubs and small trees of the olive family (Oleaceae). Lilacs are native to eastern Europe and temperate Asia, and several are widely cultivated. Lilac plants are deciduous, with deep green leaves arranged oppositely along the stems. The leaves are usually simple with entire margins, though the leaves of some species are lobed or compound. The small four-petalled flowers are borne in large oval clusters. The fruit is a leathery capsule. The common lilac (Syringa vulgaris), from southeastern Europe, is widely grown in temperate areas of the world. There are several hundred named varieties with single or double flowers in deep purple, lavender, blue, red, pink, white, and pale creamy yellow. The common lilac reaches a height of approximately 6 metres (20 feet) and produces many suckers (shoots from the stem or root). It may be grown as a shrub or hedge or, by clearing away the suckers, as a small tree.