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Ligustrum sinense

Invasive Exotic

Kingdom : Plantae
Division : Magnoliophyta
Class : Magnoliopsida
Order : Scrophulariales
Family : Oleaceae
Genus : Ligustrum
Species : L. sinense   Lour.*

Description

There are other species of privet, but none has proven more invasive in the southeastern United States than Chinese Privet.  A native to China, this large, woody shrub was introduced to the U.S. in 1852 as an ornamental plant.  It thrives in low wet habitats, but will also occupy entire hillsides.  It produces huge panicles of fragrant, small white flowers that develop into equally huge clusters of small blue-black fruits.  The oval leaves are small (1 - 2 inches), opposite, and semi-evergreen.

Habitat

Prefers wet damp soil in full sun, under wooded canopies, or in disturbed areas.

Distribution in the United States

Found throughout the southeastern United States including, but not limited to, Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia.

Threat to Native Species

Chinese privet invades and dominates the shrub layer of wooded habitats, displacing native species.  It shades and chokes out herbaceous plants that would normally occupy the forest floor.  Many wooded areas in Tennessee are entirely overrun with it.

Links

The Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation