A privet is a flowering plant in the genus ''Ligustrum''. The genus contains about 50 species of erect, deciduous or evergreen

shrub A shrub (often also called a bush) is a small-to-medium-sized perennial woody plant. Unlike herbaceous plants, shrubs have persistent woody stems above the ground. Shrubs can be either deciduous or evergreen. They are distinguished from trees ...

s, sometimes forming small or medium-sized trees,

native Native may refer to: People * Jus soli, citizenship by right of birth * Indigenous peoples, peoples with a set of specific rights based on their historical ties to a particular territory ** Native Americans (disambiguation) In arts and entert ...

to Europe, north Africa, Asia, many introduced and naturalised in Australasia, where only one species, ''Ligustrum australianum'', extends as a native into Queensland. Some species have become widely naturalized or invasive where introduced. ''Privet'' was originally the name for the European semi-evergreen

'' Ligustrum vulgare'', and later also for the more reliably evergreen '' Ligustrum ovalifolium'' and its hybrid ''

Ligustrum × ibolium ''Ligustrum'' × ''ibolium'', called the north privet or ibolium privet, is a hybrid species of flowering plant in the genus ''Ligustrum'', the result of a cross between '' Ligustrum obtusifolium'' (border privet) and ''Ligustrum ovalifolium ' ...

'' used extensively for privacy hedging, though now the name is applied to all members of the genus. The generic name was applied by Pliny the Elder (23–79 CE) to ''L. vulgare''. It is often suggested that the name ''privet'' is related to ''private'', but the OED states that there is no evidence to support this.

Description

Privet is a group of shrubs and small trees of southern and eastern Asia, from the Himalayas extending into Australia. They may be evergreen or deciduous, and are tolerant of different soil types. They often have conspicuous heads of white flowers followed by black berries.

Uses and cultivation

In addition to being cultivated to create ornamental hedges and foliage, privet is also widely used in horticulture and flower arrangements. The oval leaf privet '' Ligustrum ovalifolium'' is used for

hedge A hedge or hedgerow is a line of closely spaced shrubs and sometimes trees, planted and trained to form a barrier or to mark the boundary of an area, such as between neighbouring properties. Hedges that are used to separate a road from adjoini ...

s, while its flexible twigs are sometimes used as cords for lashing. The tree species, especially

Chinese privet ''Ligustrum sinense'' (Chinese privet; syn. ''L. villosum''; in Mandarin: 杻; pinyin: chǒu) is a species of privet native to China, Taiwan and Vietnam,Flora of China''Ligustrum sinense''/ref> and naturalized in Réunion, the Andaman Islands, ...

is frequently used as a street tree in Europe, while other species including ''

Ligustrum japonicum ''Ligustrum japonicum'', known as wax-leaf privet or Japanese privet ( ja, ネズミモチ) is a species of ''Ligustrum'' (privet) native to central and southern Japan ( Honshū, Shikoku, Kyūshū, Okinawa) and Korea. It is widely cultivated in ...

'' and '' Ligustrum quihoui'' are among the others also sometimes used as ornamental plants in gardens. Privet became very popular in Britain as a replacement for ornamental railings around properties, which had been lost to the 1941 Government compulsorily requisitioning of all post-1850 iron gates and railings for the war effort the idea being that the donated metal would be melted down for use in the manufacture of armaments in WWII, although this ultimately did not happen. The remaining stubs of sawn-off railings can still be seen on many garden walls in the UK, often partly obscured by privet bushes. Chinese privet is used in traditional

herbal medicine Herbal medicine (also herbalism) is the study of pharmacognosy and the use of medicinal plants, which are a basis of traditional medicine. With worldwide research into pharmacology, some herbal medicines have been translated into modern remed ...

. The decoction of privet leaves or bark helps to treat diarrhea, stomach ulcers, chronic bowel problems, chapped lips, sore mouths and throats, and a wash for skin problems. Privet leaves and bark have bitter properties that make a useful tea for improving appetite and digestion in chemotherapy patients. Kuding is a Chinese tea made from either a ''Ligustrum'' or ''Ilex'' species. Some species produce a fruit, which is mildly toxic to humans. Symptoms from eating privet fruit include nausea,

headache Headache is the symptom of pain in the face, head, or neck. It can occur as a migraine, tension-type headache, or cluster headache. There is an increased risk of depression in those with severe headaches. Headaches can occur as a result ...

, abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhea, weakness, low blood pressure, and low body temperature. At least some privet species are known to be toxic to horses.

Ecology

A plant may produce thousands of fruits, most of which are eaten by birds. Privet is used as a food plant by the larvae of some

Lepidoptera Lepidoptera ( ) is an order (biology), order of insects that includes butterfly, butterflies and moths (both are called lepidopterans). About 180,000 species of the Lepidoptera are described, in 126 Family (biology), families and 46 Taxonomic r ...

species including the common emerald,

common marbled carpet The common marbled carpet (''Dysstroma truncata'') is a moth of the family Geometridae. It is sometimes placed in the genus '' Chloroclysta''. It is very common throughout the Palearctic region and the Near East. The species was first describe ...

, copper underwing, engrailed,

mottled beauty The mottled beauty (''Alcis repandata'') is a moth of the family Geometridae. The species was first described by Carl Linnaeus in his 1758 10th edition of ''Systema Naturae''. Subspecies and forms Subspecies and forms include: *''Alcis repan ...

scalloped hazel The scalloped hazel (''Odontopera bidentata'') is a moth of the family Geometridae. The species was first described by Carl Alexander Clerck in 1759. Distribution It is a common species of northern and central Europe including the British Is ...

, small angle shades, v-pug, privet hawk moth and willow beauty.

Invasiveness

Privet is a successful invasive species because of its ability to outcompete and therefore displace native vegetation, due to its adaptability. Various species are now a problem in North America, Australia and New Zealand.

Selected species

The Integrated Taxonomic Information System lists eleven "accepted" species of ''Ligustrum''. Additional species are listed in other references.Flora of China
''Ligustrum''
/ref>Flora of Taiwan
''Ligustrum''
Flora Europaea
''Ligustrum''
/ref> *''

Ligustrum amamianum ''Ligustrum japonicum'', known as wax-leaf privet or Japanese privet ( ja, ネズミモチ) is a species of ''Ligustrum'' (privet) native to central and southern Japan (Honshū, Shikoku, Kyūshū, Okinawa) and Korea. It is widely cultivated in o ...

'' (China) *''

Ligustrum amurense ''Ligustrum obtusifolium'' (border privet or Amur privet) is a species of privet, native to Japan, Korea and northeastern China (Heilongjiang, Jiangsu, Liaoning, Shandong, Zhejiang).Flora of China''Ligustrum obtusifolium''/ref> The species is co ...

'' (Northern China) – Amur privet *''

Ligustrum angustum A privet is a flowering plant in the genus ''Ligustrum''. The genus contains about 50 species of erect, deciduous or evergreen shrubs, sometimes forming small or medium-sized trees, native to Europe, north Africa, Asia, many introduced and nat ...

'' (China) *''

Ligustrum australianum A privet is a flowering plant in the genus ''Ligustrum''. The genus contains about 50 species of erect, deciduous or evergreen shrubs, sometimes forming small or medium-sized trees, native to Europe, north Africa, Asia, many introduced and nat ...

'' (Wet Tropics, NE. & C. Qld, Australia) – Australian privet *''

Ligustrum chenaultii A privet is a flowering plant in the genus ''Ligustrum''. The genus contains about 50 species of erect, deciduous or evergreen shrubs, sometimes forming small or medium-sized trees, native to Europe, north Africa, Asia, many introduced and nat ...

'' (Yunnan Province, China) *''

Ligustrum compactum A privet is a flowering plant in the genus ''Ligustrum''. The genus contains about 50 species of erect, deciduous or evergreen shrubs, sometimes forming small or medium-sized trees, native to Europe, north Africa, Asia, many introduced and nat ...

'' (Himalayas, southwest China) *''

Ligustrum confusum A privet is a flowering plant in the genus ''Ligustrum''. The genus contains about 50 species of erect, deciduous or evergreen shrubs, sometimes forming small or medium-sized trees, native to Europe, north Africa, Asia, many introduced an ...

'' (Himalayas, Khasi Hills, Vietnam) *''

Ligustrum delavayanum A privet is a flowering plant in the genus ''Ligustrum''. The genus contains about 50 species of erect, deciduous or evergreen shrubs, sometimes forming small or medium-sized trees, native to Europe, north Africa, Asia, many introduced an ...

'' (Southwest China, Myanmar) *''

Ligustrum expansum ''Ligustrum expansum'' is a plant species native to China and Vietnam. The Flora of China lists ''Ligustrum robustum'' subsp. ''chinense'' P.S.Green as a separate taxon, but more recent sources regard this name as a synonym of ''L. expansum.'' Co ...

'' (China) *'' Ligustrum glomeratum'' (Thailand, Malaysia) *''

Ligustrum gracile A privet is a flowering plant in the genus ''Ligustrum''. The genus contains about 50 species of erect, deciduous or evergreen shrubs, sometimes forming small or medium-sized trees, native to Europe, north Africa, Asia, many introduced and nat ...

'' (China) *''

Ligustrum henryi A privet is a flowering plant in the genus ''Ligustrum''. The genus contains about 50 species of erect, deciduous or evergreen shrubs, sometimes forming small or medium-sized trees, native to Europe, north Africa, Asia, many introduced and nat ...

'' (Central China) *''

Ligustrum ibota A privet is a flowering plant in the genus ''Ligustrum''. The genus contains about 50 species of erect, deciduous or evergreen shrubs, sometimes forming small or medium-sized trees, native to Europe, north Africa, Asia, many introduced an ...

'' (Japan) *''

Ligustrum indicum A privet is a flowering plant in the genus ''Ligustrum''. The genus contains about 50 species of erect, deciduous or evergreen shrubs, sometimes forming small or medium-sized trees, native to Europe, north Africa, Asia, many introduced and nat ...

'' (Himalayas, Indochina) *''

'' (Japan, Korea) Japanese privet *''

Ligustrum leucanthum A privet is a flowering plant in the genus ''Ligustrum''. The genus contains about 50 species of erect, deciduous or evergreen shrubs, sometimes forming small or medium-sized trees, native to Europe, north Africa, Asia, many introduced and nat ...

'' (China) *''

Ligustrum lianum A privet is a flowering plant in the genus ''Ligustrum''. The genus contains about 50 species of erect, deciduous or evergreen shrubs, sometimes forming small or medium-sized trees, native species, native to Europe, north Africa, Asia, many in ...

'' (China) *''

Ligustrum liukiuense A privet is a flowering plant in the genus ''Ligustrum''. The genus contains about 50 species of erect, deciduous or evergreen shrubs, sometimes forming small or medium-sized trees, native species, native to Europe, north Africa, Asia, many in ...

'' (Taiwan) *''

Ligustrum longitubum A privet is a flowering plant in the genus ''Ligustrum''. The genus contains about 50 species of erect, deciduous or evergreen shrubs, sometimes forming small or medium-sized trees, native to Europe, north Africa, Asia, many introduced and nat ...

'' (China) *''

Ligustrum lucidum ''Ligustrum lucidum'', the broad-leaf privet,Weed profile: Privet
New So ...

'' (China, Japan, Korea, Vietnam) - Chinese privet, glossy privet *''

Ligustrum massalongianum A privet is a flowering plant in the genus ''Ligustrum''. The genus contains about 50 species of erect, deciduous or evergreen shrubs, sometimes forming small or medium-sized trees, native to Europe, north Africa, Asia, many introduced an ...

'' (Himalayas) *''

Ligustrum micranthum ''Ligustrum micranthum'' is a species of flowering plant in the family Oleaceae, native to the Bonin Islands and the Volcano Islands The or are a group of three Japanese-governed islands in Micronesia. They lie south of the Ogasawar ...

'' (the Bonin Islands, the

Volcano Islands The or are a group of three Japanese-governed islands in Micronesia. They lie south of the Ogasawara Islands and belong to the municipality of Ogasawara, Tokyo, Tokyo Metropolis, Japan. The islands are all active volcanoes lying atop ...

) *''

Ligustrum microcarpum ''Ligustrum sinense'' (Chinese privet; syn. ''L. villosum''; in Mandarin: 杻; pinyin: chǒu) is a species of privet native to China, Taiwan and Vietnam,Flora of China''Ligustrum sinense''/ref> and naturalized in Réunion, the Andaman Islands, N ...

'' (Taiwan); often included in ''L. sinense''. *''

Ligustrum morrisonense A privet is a flowering plant in the genus ''Ligustrum''. The genus contains about 50 species of erect, deciduous or evergreen shrubs, sometimes forming small or medium-sized trees, native to Europe, north Africa, Asia, many introduced and nat ...

'' (Taiwan) *''

Ligustrum obovatilimbum A privet is a flowering plant in the genus ''Ligustrum''. The genus contains about 50 species of erect, deciduous or evergreen shrubs, sometimes forming small or medium-sized trees, native to Europe, north Africa, Asia, many introduced and nat ...

'' (China) *''

Ligustrum obtusifolium ''Ligustrum obtusifolium'' (border privet or Amur privet) is a species of privet A privet is a flowering plant in the genus ''Ligustrum''. The genus contains about 50 species of erect, deciduous or evergreen shrubs, sometimes forming small ...

'' ( East Asia) – Japanese deciduous privet *'' Ligustrum ovalifolium'' (Japan) – Korean privet, oval-leaved privet *''

Ligustrum pedunculare ''Ligustrum pricei'' is a species of ''Ligustrum'', native to China (Guizhou, Hubei, Hunan, Shaanxi, Sichuan) and Taiwan, where it occurs at 900–1700 m altitude.Flora of China''Ligustrum pricei''/ref> ''Ligustrum pricei'' is an evergreen shrub ...

'' (China) *''

Ligustrum pricei ''Ligustrum pricei'' is a species of ''Ligustrum'', native to China (Guizhou, Hubei, Hunan, Shaanxi, Sichuan) and Taiwan, where it occurs at 900–1700 m altitude.Flora of China''Ligustrum pricei''/ref> ''Ligustrum pricei'' is an evergreen shrub ...

'' (Taiwan, Vietnam) *''

Ligustrum punctifolium A privet is a flowering plant in the genus ''Ligustrum''. The genus contains about 50 species of erect, deciduous or evergreen shrubs, sometimes forming small or medium-sized trees, native to Europe, north Africa, Asia, many introduced and nat ...

'' *'' Ligustrum quihoui'' (China) *'' Ligustrum retusum'' (China) *''

Ligustrum robustum ''Ligustrum robustum'' grows as a shrub or small tree up to tall though old specimens of more than a hundred years have been observed with a height of . The fruit of the shrub is an ellipsoid berry, bluish-purple when fully ripe, × . ...

'' (India to Vietnam) *''

Ligustrum sempervirens A privet is a flowering plant in the genus ''Ligustrum''. The genus contains about 50 species of erect, deciduous or evergreen shrubs, sometimes forming small or medium-sized trees, native species, native to Europe, north Africa, Asia, many in ...

'' (Western China) *''

Ligustrum sinense ''Ligustrum sinense'' (Chinese privet; syn. ''L. villosum''; in Mandarin: 杻; pinyin: chǒu) is a species of privet native to China, Taiwan and Vietnam,Flora of China''Ligustrum sinense''/ref> and naturalized in Réunion, the Andaman Islands, ...

'' (China, Taiwan, Vietnam) – Chinese privet *''

Ligustrum strongylophyllum A privet is a flowering plant in the genus ''Ligustrum''. The genus contains about 50 species of erect, deciduous or evergreen shrubs, sometimes forming small or medium-sized trees, native to Europe, north Africa, Asia, many introduced an ...

'' (Central China) *''

Ligustrum tenuipes A privet is a flowering plant in the genus ''Ligustrum''. The genus contains about 50 species of erect, deciduous or evergreen shrubs, sometimes forming small or medium-sized trees, native to Europe, north Africa, Asia, many introduced and nat ...

''. (China) *''

Ligustrum tschonoskii A privet is a flowering plant in the genus ''Ligustrum''. The genus contains about 50 species of erect, deciduous or evergreen shrubs, sometimes forming small or medium-sized trees, native to Europe, north Africa, Asia, many introduced and nat ...

'' (Japan) *'' Ligustrum vulgare'' (Europe, northwest Africa, southwest Asia) – common privet, European privet *''

Ligustrum xingrenense A privet is a flowering plant in the genus ''Ligustrum''. The genus contains about 50 species of erect, deciduous or evergreen shrubs, sometimes forming small or medium-sized trees, native to Europe, north Africa, Asia, many introduced and nat ...

'' (China) *''

Ligustrum yunguiense A privet is a flowering plant in the genus ''Ligustrum''. The genus contains about 50 species of erect, deciduous or evergreen shrubs, sometimes forming small or medium-sized trees, native to Europe, north Africa, Asia, many introduced and nat ...

'' (China)

References

{{Taxonbar, from=Q753099 Garden plants