A multi-stemmed shrub or tree up to 10 m, less often 12-15 m tall and 20-30 cm in diameter. The bark is dark gray or brown, with well-marked white transverse lentils. Young shoots are red-brown. The leaves are 5-11 cm long, green, ellipsoid-heart-shaped similar to the leaves of ordinary lilac. Inflorescences are large broad-lobed up to 20-25 cm long and up to 20 cm in diameter. The flowers are white or slightly creamy, small 5-6 mm in diameter, with a strong odor. Blooms in late June - July. Flowering lasts 2 weeks. Lives up to 90-100 years. Propagated by seeds, layering, growth from the stump and root offspring. One of the most frost-resistant and drought-resistant lilacs. Tolerates urban conditions well.