Wax-leaf Ligustrum vulgare

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

Privet is a vigorous deciduous shrub in the Oleaceae (olive) family native to Eurasia.

The 'eaves are glossy, flowers are white and airy and followed by dark black fleshy berries that are enjoyed by birds.  Birds tend to spread the seeds around to prune off flowers immediately to avoid setting 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, root rot are common disease problems.  Susceptible to copper deficiency.  It can be weedy in disturbed areas has escaped and naturalized in moist areas. It is listed as invasive in North Carolina by the North Carolina Native Plant Society (calling it a "Significant Threat") and NC State University's Department of Forestry and Environmental Resources.