Leaves are decussately opposite, entire on the margin, bright green above, paler and pubescent beneath.
Small white flowers open in July.
This tree is found along streams in the cool temperate zone.
Common Lilas (Syringa vulgaris) is the same genus tree.
The wood is used for posts, foundation, utensiles.
Distribution ; Hokkaido, Honshu, Shikoku, Kyushu, Korea, Southern Kuriles