Chinese privet
Common Name:
Chinese privet
Scientific Name:
Ligustrum sinense
Family:
Oleaceae
Lifecycle:
Perennial
Features
Perennial shrub reaching up to 10 to 12 feet in height. Stems tan to light brown in color. Leaves glossy, glabrous, oval shaped. Inflorescence produced in spring forming clusters of small (0.5 cm in diameter). Inflorescence 20 to 30 cm in length and cylindrical to conical in shape. Clusters of green berries formed as fruit, turning purple in fall. In winter, plants will often retain a few leaves and purple berries are prominent.
Description
Invasive weed species of forest edge, forest understory, and field/fence row edges. Widespread throughout the southeast. In dense stands, Chinese privet will often out compete all native species.