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(Ligustrum sinense)
Chinese Privet (Ligustrum sinense)
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Krzysztof Ziarnek, Kenraiz
CC BY-SA 4.0
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Krzysztof Ziarnek, Kenraiz
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CC BY-SA 4.0
Copyright Notice:
Photo by: Krzysztof Ziarnek, Kenraiz | License Type: CC BY-SA 4.0 | License URL: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0 | Uploader: Kenraiz | Publisher: Wikimedia Commons | Title: Ligustrum_sinense_kz1.jpg | Notes: Uploaded own work with UploadWizard |
Estimated Native Range
Summary
Ligustrum sinense, commonly known as Chinese Privet, is a semi-deciduous shrub or small tree native to a variety of habitats including open woodlands, forest margins, and along streams in China, Taiwan, and Vietnam. It typically grows to a height of 2–7 meters with a similar spread, featuring densely hairy young shoots. The leaves are glossy green, ovate to lanceolate, 2–7 cm long, and 1–3 cm broad, with smooth margins and short petioles. From late spring to early summer, it produces panicles of small, fragrant white flowers, each with a four-lobed corolla 3.5–5.5 mm long. The flowers are followed by small, spherical, black fruits, 5–8 mm in diameter, which are considered poisonous and should not be ingested.
Chinese Privet is valued for its dense foliage and rapid growth, making it popular for use as a hedge or screen in landscaping. It adapts well to a range of soil types, preferring full sun to partial shade and requiring medium water. However, it can become invasive, outcompeting native vegetation and altering ecosystems. Gardeners should be cautious of its potential to spread via seed dispersal by birds. It is also susceptible to pests like whiteflies and diseases such as leaf spot.CC BY-SA 4.0
Chinese Privet is valued for its dense foliage and rapid growth, making it popular for use as a hedge or screen in landscaping. It adapts well to a range of soil types, preferring full sun to partial shade and requiring medium water. However, it can become invasive, outcompeting native vegetation and altering ecosystems. Gardeners should be cautious of its potential to spread via seed dispersal by birds. It is also susceptible to pests like whiteflies and diseases such as leaf spot.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Tree, Shrub
- Height: 6-10 feet
- Width: 6-10 feet
- Growth Rate: Moderate
- Flower Color: White
- Flowering Season: Spring
- Leaf Retention: Semi-Deciduous
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
- Water: Medium
- Drainage: Slow, Medium, Fast
Common Uses
Bee Garden, Bird Garden, Butterfly Garden, Deer Resistant, Drought Tolerant, Fragrant, Hedges, Hummingbird Garden, Rabbit Resistant, Salt Tolerant
Natural Habitat
Open woodlands, forest margins, and along streams in China, Taiwan, and Vietnam
Other Names
Common Names: Common Chinese Privet, Small-Leaf Privet, Chinese Liguster, Kinesisk Liguster, Chinese Ligustrum, Hedge Privet, Troène De Chine, Xiao La
Scientific Names: , Ligustrum sinense, Ligustrum nokoensis,
GBIF Accepted Name: Ligustrum sinense Lour.