Privet Ligustrum japonicum

This plant is problematic and alternatives should be considered.  Please see the suggestions in the left-hand column.

Japanese privet is a large evergreen shrub or small tree in the olive family (Oleaceae) and native to eastern Asia. Japanese privet is weedy in disturbed areas around buildings and has escaped and naturalized in moist areas.

It grows rapidly up to 12 feet tall and 6 feet wide in sun to partial shade. It is dense and upright, drought and salt spray tolerant, and grows in a range of soil conditions (except constantly wet). It flowers in late spring with four parted flowers that attract a wide array of insects. However, the flowers have an odor that is offensive to many people. It has dark green foliage and is frequently planted around buildings and pruned to a "giant meatball" shape or small tree. When pruning, keep in mind that next year's blossoms will appear on new growth.

Quick ID Hints:

• Leaves are opposite, evergreen, entire, and coriaceous.

• 4 to 5 pairs of lateral veins are raised under leaves.

• Twigs are profusely dotted with large gray lenticels.

Listed as invasive in North Carolina by:

• Invasive Plant Atlas of the MidSouth.

• Invasive Plant Atlas of the United States.

• North Carolina Forest Service.

• North Carolina Invasive Plant Council.

• North Carolina Native Plant Society, "Significant Threat"

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: Whiteflies, Japanese and ligustrum weevils, white peach scale and privet rust mites are common insect problems. Anthracnose, twig blight, cankers, powdery mildew and root rot are common disease problems. Susceptible to copper deficiency. Invasive. See native suggestions to the left.