Although a Lilac, this member of the species is quite different in appearance than those with which gardeners are more familiar. Its upright habit varies from symmetrical to irregular but is more consistent than the species. Cultivars including ‘Ivory Silk’ and ‘Summer Snow’ could be used instead of the species due to the more consistent habit and more flowers.

This is a very large shrub or small tree, reaching a height of about 20 to 30 feet with a 15-foot-spread. The huge clusters of creamy white flowers, borne in early summer for about two weeks, are the main ornamental feature but lack the fragrance of the spring-blooming Lilacs — this Lilac’s fragrance is more suggestive of Privet.