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Chinese privet

How to identify Chinese privet (Ligustrum sinense)

Chinese privet, also known as Common privet, Small–leaved privet

Chinese privet is distinguishable by its opposite, elliptic foliage that spans 1 to 2 inches (2.5 to 5 cm) in length. The small leaves are a key characteristic, along with their arrangement on the stem, which facilitates identification. The physical attributes are vital for recognizing chinese privet in various settings.

Lifespan

Lifespan: Perennial

Plant Type

Plant Type: Shrub

Leaf Type

Leaf Type: Evergreen

Quickly Identify Chinese privet

1

Opposite, elliptic 1-2 inch (2.5-5 cm) leaves

2

Creamy white, small flowers in terminal panicles

3

Spherical, black drupes in 0.3 inch (8 mm) clusters

4

Glossy, dark green leaves with hairy midveins

5

Gray-yellow pubescent stems, bifurcating early

Chinese privetChinese privetChinese privetChinese privetChinese privet

Detailed Traits of Chinese privet

Leaf Features

The leaves of chinese privet are opposite, simple, and elliptic to elliptic-oblong in shape, measuring 1-3 inches (2.5-7.6 cm) long. They are entire, not coriaceous, and have a glossy, dark green appearance. Hairs are present on the undersides along the midvein, and the petioles are also hairy. These key features, including their texture and hairiness, make them distinguishable.

Leaf Shape

Lanceolate ,
Elliptic ,
Ovate

Chinese privet Leaf Shape image
Leaf Type

Simple

Leaf Base

Cuneate ,
Circular

Leaf Arrangement

Opposite

Chinese privet Leaf Arrangement image
Leaf Apex

Acuminate

Chinese privet Leaf Apex image
Leaf Margin

Entire

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Flower Features

The flowers of chinese privet are small, creamy white, and less than an inch (2.5 cm) in size. They grow in clusters on terminal panicles, measuring 2-3 inches (5-7.5 cm) long. Additional clusters can be found in the upper leaf axils. Blooming in late spring, these flowers emit a distinctly unpleasant odor, aiding in their identification. Their compact arrangements and fetid scent are signature traits.

Chinese privet Flower image
Corolla Type

Salverform

Inflorescence Type

Panicle

Chinese privet Inflorescence Type image
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Stem Features

The stems of chinese privet are pubescent, covered with fine hairs giving a soft texture. They exhibit a gray-yellow coloration and typically have a smooth to slightly roughened surface. These stems often bifurcate or trifurcate early, leading to a bushy appearance. They measure approximately 0.2-0.4 inches (5-10 mm) in diameter, providing a sturdy but flexible structure. The dense pubescence, combined with their color, is a key characteristic for identifying chinese privet.

Chinese privet Stem image
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Fruit Features

The fruit of chinese privet comprises clusters of spherical, berry-like drupes that reach maturity in black hues. Each berry displays a semi-fleshy texture and houses seeds within. These drupes, typically around 0.3 inches (8 mm) in diameter, attract various bird species with their color and accessibility. Upon ripening, the fruits aggregate in conspicuous bunches, making them a noticeable feature against the foliage.

Chinese privet Fruit imageChinese privet Fruit image
Fruit Type

Drupe

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Chinese privet and Their Similar Plants

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Glossy privet vs. Chinese privet: What's The Difference?
The glossy privet can be grown as a shrub or tree. This hardy, drought-tolerant plant has attractive glossy leaves and appealing white flowers. The flowers of glossy privet have a strong odor, so before planting make sure you find the scent acceptable. The berries that they produce are toxic if consumed.
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Wild privet vs. Chinese privet: What's The Difference?
Wild privet (Ligustrum vulgare) is an ornamental shrub but considered an invasive species in some area. Many English hedgerows have been made using these plants, though they're now often replaced with a more evergreen species. The wild privet's decorative flowers produce an unpleasant smell. The fruits are poisonous to humans but readily eaten by birds, making it possible for the seeds to spread far and wide.
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Japanese privet vs. Chinese privet: What's The Difference?
Japanese privet (Ligustrum japonicum) is an evergreen ornamental shrub or small tree with dark, glossy leaves and numerous clusters of white flowers. It blooms in late spring, and the unpleasant scent of the flowers is sometimes derided. Japanese privet is considered an invasive species in certain parts of North America.
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Variegated chinese privet vs. Chinese privet: What's The Difference?
Variegated chinese privet is named and stands out for its two-colored green and white leaves. Its dense growth makes it ideal for screens and hedges. However, its flowers smell unpleasant, so it is best admired from a distance. Variegated chinese privet (Ligustrum sinense 'Variegatum') is perfect for city gardens since it is resistant to air pollution.
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Curly leaf japanese privet vs. Chinese privet: What's The Difference?
Curly leaf japanese privet does indeed have curlier leaves than other privets, explaining its name. This dense-growing evergreen shrub is a popular hedge or screening plant but can also be grown in mass plantings and containers. It is an adaptable and easy-to-grow shrub with good resistance to drought, salt, and air pollution. It thrives when grown in a shady location.
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Key Facts About Chinese privet

Attributes of Chinese privet
Lifespan
Perennial
Plant Type
Shrub
Plant Height
2 m to 7 m
Spread
3 m to 4.5 m
Leaf Color
Green
Flower Size
3.5 mm to 6 mm
Flower Color
White
Fruit Color
Black
Purple
Stem Color
Yellow
Green
Gray
Silver
Leaf type
Evergreen
The Toxicity of Chinese privet
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Scientific Classification of Chinese privet

Family
Olive
Icon allow
Genus
Privets
Icon allow
Species
Chinese privet (Ligustrum sinense)
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Distribution Map of Chinese privet

Chinese privet grows natively in thin and mixed woodlands of East Asia. Introduced as an ornamental, it has spread across South and North America, Europe, and New Zealand, and is listed as invasive in the United States.
Native
Cultivated
Invasive
Potentially invasive
Exotic
No species reported
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