The family is characterized by opposite leaves that may be simple or compound (either pinnate or ternate), without stipule. Alternate or whorled arrangements are rarely observed, with some Jasminum species presenting spiral configuration. The laminas are pinnately-veined and can be serrate, dentate or entire at margin. Domatia are observed in certain taxa. The leaves may be either deciduous or evergreen, with evergreen species predominating in warm temperate and tropical regions, and deciduous species predominating in colder regions.

The flowers are most often bisexual and actinomorphic, occurring in panicles, racemes or panicles, and often fragrant. The calyx, which may or may not be present, and the corolla are synsepalous and four-lobed. The androecium has 2 stamens inserted in the perigynous zone and alternate with the lobes. The stigmas are two-lobed. The gynoecium consists of a compound pistil with two carpels. The ovary is superior with two locules, each of which bearing two axillary ovules. The plants are most often hermaphrodite but sometimes polygamomonoecious. Oleaceae fruit can be berries, drupes, capsules or samaras. [4]

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Syringa is a genus of about 20–25 species of flowering plants in the olive family (Oleaceae), native to Europe and Asia and naturalized almost worldwide. [5]

Deciduous shrubs or small trees, ranging in size from 2–10 m tall, lilacs are some of our most beloved flowering shrubs for the home landscape. The leaves are opposite, simple, and heart-shaped to broad lanceolate in most species, pinnate in a few species (S. protolaciniata, S. pinnatifolia). The flowers are produced in spring, each flower being 5–10 mm in diameter with a four-lobed corolla, the corolla tube narrow, 5–20 mm long; they are bisexual, with fertile stamens and stigma in each flower.

The usual flower color is lilac, but white, yellow, pink, and dark burgundy colors are possible. Flowers grow in large panicles, and are almost always quite fragrant. Flowering times vary from early spring to early summer. Lilac fruit is a dry brown capsule, splitting in two at maturity to release winged seeds. Lilacs are eaten by larvae of some butterflies and moths, including the Copper Underwing, Svensson's Copper Underwing and some Saras. [5]