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Wild privet

How to identify Wild privet (Ligustrum vulgare)

Wild privet, also known as Common privet

Wild privet is a deciduous shrub that can grow up to 15 feet (4.5 meters) tall. Its leaves are simple and opposite, typically reaching 2-4 inches (5-10 cm) in length with a somewhat glossy surface and a slightly wavy margin. The plant's bark is rough and gray, providing a stark contrast to the clusters of small, creamy-white flowers that bloom in late spring to early summer. These flowers give way to small, spherical berries that mature to a dark purple or black hue. Its foliage turns a soft yellow before dropping in the fall.

Lifespan

Lifespan: Perennial

Plant Type

Plant Type: Shrub

Leaf Type

Leaf Type: Deciduous

Quickly Identify Wild privet

1

Opposite simple leaves, 2-4 inches (5-10 cm) long, slightly wavy with glossy surface.

2

Clusters of small, creamy-white flowers with 4-parted, tubular blooms in terminal clusters.

3

Small, spherical berries maturing to dark purple or black, persisting into winter months.

4

Smooth, pliable stem with gray to brown color, diameter 0.2-0.4 inches (5-10 mm).

5

Trunk with thin bark, transitioning from smooth to furrowed texture, in shades of gray to brown.

Wild privetWild privetWild privetWild privetWild privet

Detailed Traits of Wild privet

Leaf Features

The leaves of wild privet are simple and range from oval to lance-shaped, measuring approximately 2.5 inches (6.35 cm) in length. They exhibit a dark green color and possess a smooth, glossy texture. The leaves are oppositely arranged on the stem and have smooth margins without serrations. The venation pattern is pinnate, with a central vein and smaller veins branching out. These characteristics make the leaves of wild privet distinctive and identifiable.

Leaf Apex

Obtuse

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Flower Features

The flowers of wild privet are small and white, presenting a tubular structure that typically measures around 0.2 inches (5 mm) in length. Each flower is 4-parted, meaning it has four distinct lobes or petals. Positioned in terminal clusters, these blooms create a striking display at the branch tips. The flowers emit a mildly sweet fragrance, attracting various pollinators. Blooming occurs primarily in June, marking the onset of summer with their delicate yet noticeable appearance.

Wild privet Flower imageWild privet Flower image
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Stem Features

The stem of wild privet is notably smooth and ranges in color from gray to brown. It features twigs that exhibit a pliable texture and tend to mature into sturdier branches. Typically, the stem's diameter ranges from 0.2 to 0.4 inches (5 to 10 mm). The stems of wild privet showcase a somewhat rigid, upright growth pattern with frequent branching, contributing to a dense, bushy appearance. Presence of lenticels along the twigs aids in gas exchange, a characteristic feature seen in many woody shrubs.

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Fruit Features

The fruit of wild privet is a semi-fleshy drupe that begins green and matures to a glossy black hue. Each drupe is typically small, roughly 0.3 to 0.4 inches (8 to 10 mm) in diameter. They commonly grow in clusters, and their shape is somewhat oval to round. The smooth surface of the mature fruit contrasts with its developing green state, where it may have a more subdued texture. These fruits are a conspicuous feature of the plant, often persisting into the winter months, providing visual interest and ecological value.

Wild privet Fruit imageWild privet Fruit imageWild privet Fruit image
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Wild privet and Their Similar Plants

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Glossy privet vs. Wild 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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Chinese privet vs. Wild privet: What's The Difference?
Chinese privet (Ligustrum sinense) is a deciduous shrub that has been highly respected by Chinese martial artists - It's tough, but flexible shoots were widely used for making spears and darts. Chinese privet is commonly cultivated as an ornamental plant, for hedgerows, and as a bonsai tree.
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Japanese privet vs. Wild 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. Wild 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. Wild 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 Wild privet

Attributes of Wild privet
Lifespan
Perennial
Plant Type
Shrub
Plant Height
1.5 m to 4.5 m
Spread
2.5 m to 4.5 m
Leaf Color
Green
Flower Size
4 mm to 6 mm
Flower Color
White
Fruit Color
Black
Purple
Stem Color
Green
White
Black
Leaf type
Deciduous
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Scientific Classification of Wild privet

Family
Olive
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Genus
Privets
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Species
Wild privet (Ligustrum vulgare)
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Distribution Map of Wild privet

Wild privet is native to parts of Europe, northern Africa, and southwestern Asia, and naturalized in high-ground areas of Mexico and Argentina. It primarily grows in hedgerows and woodlands. Australia, Canada, the United States, and New Zealand have declared it invasive.
Native
Cultivated
Invasive
Potentially invasive
Exotic
No species reported
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