Privet

Privet (Ligustrum) is a genus of about 50 species of erect, deciduous or evergreen shrubs or trees, placed in the olive family, Oleaceae. Its native distribution runs from Europe to tropical and subtropical Asia, with one species each native to Australia and north Africa. Privet was originally the name for the European semi-evergreen shrub Ligustrum vulgare, though now the name is applied to all members of the genus. In the olive family the flowers are often numerous and highly odoriferous.

Appearance

Privets often have conspicuous heads of white flowers followed by black berries. Wild privet (Ligustrum vulgare) is a semi-evergreen or deciduous shrub growing to 3 m, rarely up to 5 m, tall. Its flowers appear in mid-summer in panicles 3-6 cm long, each flower creamy-white. The berries are poisonous to humans but readily eaten by thrushes. Ligustrum lucidum is an evergreen tree growing to 10 m tall and broad.

Cultivation and uses

Privet is a genus of shrubs commonly used for hedges, borders and garden landscaping. These plants are valued for their adaptability and their ability to tolerate regular pruning. Ligustrum ovalifolium is the most common hedging plant species in cultivation in the United Kingdom. Privets need to be trimmed several times during a growing season to maintain a formal hedge shape. Regularly trimmed plants do not produce flowers or fruit. Privet is also used as a food plant by the larvae of some moth species.

Other uses and ecology

The seeds of Ligustrum lucidum are known as nu zhen zi in traditional Chinese medicine. Privet is a successful invasive species because of its ability to outcompete and therefore displace native vegetation. Various species are now a problem in North America, Australia and New Zealand.

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