Ligustrum vulgare

Ligustrum vulgare, also known as Common Privet, is a species of flowering plant in the family Oleaceae, native to Europe, North Africa, and Southwest Asia.

Description[edit | edit source]

Ligustrum vulgare is a deciduous shrub that typically grows to 10-15 feet tall. The leaves are opposite, oval, up to 6 cm long, and have a dark green upper surface. The flowers are white, with a four-lobed corolla 5-6 mm diameter. The fruit is a small black berry, 6-8 mm diameter, containing one to four seeds.

Distribution and habitat[edit | edit source]

Ligustrum vulgare is native to Europe, North Africa, and Southwest Asia. It has been introduced to other parts of the world, including North America, where it has become an invasive species. It grows in a variety of habitats, including forests, scrublands, and grasslands.

Cultivation and uses[edit | edit source]

Ligustrum vulgare is widely cultivated as an ornamental plant, particularly for use as hedging. It is also used in traditional medicine, particularly in China, where it is known as Nüzhenzi.

Invasive species[edit | edit source]

In some regions, such as the United States, Ligustrum vulgare has become an invasive species, outcompeting native plants for resources and altering habitats.