Tall-glossy Privet Ligustrum lucidum

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

Glossy privet is a broadleaf evergreen shrub in the olive (Oleaceae) family native to southern China and Korea. The species epithet is Latin and means "bright or shining."

This shrub is drought-tolerant in dry conditions and alkaline soil. It is often used as a screening plant and tolerates severe pruning. Glossy privet usually grows as a shrub 12 to 15 feet tall, but if trained as a tree could grow to 30 feet tall.

The dark green leaves are glossy, pointed and opposite. Glossy privet blooms in late spring to early summer and has small, creamy white flowers. The flower's fragrance is very pungent and may be objectionable to some people. The fruits are drupes and are attractive to birds. It is not as cold-hardy as Japanese privet (Ligustrum japonicum).  When pruning, keep in mind that next year's blossoms will appear on new growth. To keep the shrub from spreading, prune off the flowers before they set fruit.

Glossy privet has been used as a hedge or screen and in shrub borders. However, it is not recommended because of its weedy tendencies.  Please see the suggestions in the left-hand column for alternatives.

Quick ID Hints:

• Leaves are opposite with an opaque rim along margins
• 6 to 8 lateral veins sunken on the undersurface
• Terminal panicles with persistent dark fruit

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.  It can be weedy in disturbed areas and has escaped and naturalized in moist areas. It is considered invasive by the NC Invasive Plant Council. The berries produced by this plant are toxic. Dogs can be adversely affected by eating the berries or leaves of privet.