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AquaPlantA Diagnostics Tool for Pond Plants and Algae
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Glossy Privet

Ligustrum lucidum

Non-Native

Glossy Privet Locations in Souteast US
Glossy Privet Locations in North America
glossy privet top view

USDA, NRCS. 2018. The PLANTS Database (http://plants.usda.gov, 28 March 2018). National Plant Data Team, Greensboro, NC 27401-4901 USA.

What is Glossy Privet?

Physical Characteristics

Leaves:

  • Elliptical to oval shaped
  • Opposite on branches

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:

  • Tree or large shrub
  • Up to 30 feet tall
  • Spreading branches

Where Does it Grow?

Non-Native

Glossy privet is native to Europe, Asia, and North Africa.

Is it Invasive?

Glossy privet is non-native to North America and is aggressive invader to the native environment.

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.

How to Manage This Plant
Plant Glossary

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Photo Credits: The majority of the aquatic plant line drawings are the copyright of the University of Florida Center for Aquatic Plants (Gainsville). They are used with permission.

Aquatic plant photographs were provided by David Bayne, Jim Davis, Kelly Duffie, Billy Higginbotham, Michael Masser, John Clayton, Chetta Owens, Diane Smith, Joe Snow, Don Steinbach, Bridget Robinson Lassiter and Peter Woods.

You may use these photos, so long as you give credit to AquaPlant.

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