Syringa vulgaris
 
Lilac

Older Stem

Regina
29-May-2010

Syringa: Answers to key questions in Vascular Flora of Alberta: An Illustrated Guide leading to this genus. 

shrubs; NOT [trees]

leaves simple, undivided; NOT [leaves pinnately divided into 5-9 leaflets]

flowers conspicuous, in showy pyramidal clusters; NOT [flowers tiny, inconspicuous]

flowers with 4 petals; NOT [flowers without petals]

fruits +/- woody capsules with winged seeds; NOT [fruits winged samaras]