Privet, Chinese

Ligustrum sinense or Chinese Privet is an deciduous shrub growing to 7–23 feet tall, with densely hairy shoots. It is cultivated as an ornamental plant and for hedges. Several cultivars have been selected, including the very floriferous ‘Multiflorum’, the variegated cultivar ‘Variegatum’, and the dwarf cultivar ‘Wimbei’ growing to 1.65 feet and with leaves only 0.28 inches long. It was introduced to North America to be used for hedges and landscaping where it has now escaped from cultivation and is listed as an invasive plant in some states in the southeast. In early growth, it much more resembles a vine rather than a shrub or tree, but as it ages the stems get sturdier and woodier.

The leaves are opposite, 0.79–2.75 inches long and 0.40–1.20 inches broad, rarely larger, with an entire margin and a 0.08–0.31 inches petiole and rather thick for their size. They are pubescent beneath on the midrib which distinguishes them from other privets as well as small size.

The FLOWERS are white, with a four-lobed corolla 0.14–0.22 inches long on pedicals and the flower tube is shorter than the lobes. In bloom they are quite fragrant (with a sickly-sweet smell) and are attractive to all sorts of flying insects and pollinators. They draw a considerable number of flies and small bees probably from the permeating odor.

The FRUIT is subglobose, 0.20–0.31 inches diameter greenish drupe. Copious amounts of fruits are produced gathered at the end of a short stem looking much like a tiny bunch of grapes. There are very many such bunches everywhere on the plant which ensures regeneration. The berries turn black when ripe and are gobbled up by birds and other WILDLIFE that spread the seeds far and wide.

The TRUNK is usually forked near the base. BARK is a smooth gray with lenticels. The shade under a Chinese Privet is often so dense that almost nothing can grow underneath it.

The BRANCHES and TWIGS are densely pubescent. This is another distinguishing characteristic for identification.