Ligustrum sinense
Non-Native
USDA, NRCS. 2018. The PLANTS Database (http://plants.usda.gov, 28 March 2018). National Plant Data Team, Greensboro, NC 27401-4901 USA.
Illustration courtesy of University of Florida/IFAS Center for Aquatic and Invasive Plants. Used with permission.
What is Chinese Privet?
Physical Characteristics
Leaves:
- Elliptical to oval shaped
- Opposite on branches
- 1-3 inches long
- Covered in short, soft hair
Flowers:
- 4 lobes
- Small clusters
- Located at ends of twigs
Fruit:
- Stretched
- Black-Blue in color
- Fleshy
- Thin skin
- Containing 1-4 seeds
- Found mostly during the winter
Stem:
- Bark tan-gray in color
- Smooth
- Up to 20 feet tall
Where Does it Grow?
Non-Native
Chinese privet is native to china.
Is it Invasive?
This plant is not native to North America, but has naturalized in much of the United States. While it is not illegal to possess this plant in Texas, it should not be introduced into new water bodies and should be treated with herbicide when present.