Privet - Ligustrum spp.

Privet is a thick, semi-evergreen shrub to 30 feet in height. Trunks usually occur as multiple stems with many long, leafy branches attached at near right angles (BROKEN-LINK Miller 2003). Leaves are opposite, oval and .5 to 1.5 inches long. Bark is light gray to tan in color and very smooth. White flowers are very abundant and occur at the end of branches in clusters. Fruit ripen to a dark purple to black color and persist into winter. Although several species occur they are hard to distinguish and have similar effects (BROKEN-LINK Miller 2003).

Privet was introduced into the United States in the early 1800s. It is commonly used as an ornamental shrub and for hedgerows. Privet quickly escaped cultivation and is widespread and common throughout all of the southern Appalachians at elevations below 3000 ft (SE-EEPC 2003).

Privet can invade a wide variety of habitats. It prefers moist open lands but can be found in highly shaded or dry areas. It commonly forms dense thickets in the fields or in the understory of forests. Privet reproduces both by sprouts and seeds, which are bird and mammal dispersed. The leaves are presistent and can remain on the plant green until late into winter. It shades and out competes many native species and, once established, is very difficult to remove. For more information and control recommendations please click here.