

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.
Opposite simple leaves, 2-4 inches (5-10 cm) long, slightly wavy with glossy surface.
Clusters of small, creamy-white flowers with 4-parted, tubular blooms in terminal clusters.
Small, spherical berries maturing to dark purple or black, persisting into winter months.
Smooth, pliable stem with gray to brown color, diameter 0.2-0.4 inches (5-10 mm).
Trunk with thin bark, transitioning from smooth to furrowed texture, in shades of gray to brown.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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Scientific Classification of Wild privet