Subsp. pekinensis, formerly known as Syringa pekinensis, is native to wooded areas on slopes, valleys and ravines in northern China. It is commonly called Peking lilac or Chinese tree lilac. It typically grows in an open, multi-stemmed form to 15-20’ tall and to 15' wide with arching branches and ovate dark green leaves (to 2-4" long). Showy, fragrant, yellowish-white flowers bloom in panicles to 6” long in mid-spring (May in the St. Louis area). Flowers give way to loose clusters of brown capsules that persist into winter. Reddish-brown bark is furrowed and ridged on some plants, but exfoliates attractively on others. No fall color of significance