Family - Oleaceae
The
Japanese privet is also known by the common names of Japanese wax-privet,
Japanese wax-leaved privet or simply Ligustrum -
pronounced
lig-GUS-trum.
This shrub
or small tree is often confused with and sometimes share
common names with Ligustrum lucidum
which has thin, 4 to 8 inch long leaves with narrow,
pointed tips and distinct reddish-yellow margins, L. japonicum has thick leaves 2-4 inches long and more
rounded, blunt tips.
Japanese
privet is a versatile landscape plant, it responds well
to clipping and can be grown as a shrub or as a small
tree to about 15 feet maximum. When grown as a tree the
crown is symmetrical and usually gets a spread equal to
or greater than the overall height of the tree. Leaves
are dark green and oblong to ovate. Leaf margins are
entire and undulate (wavy).
U.S.D.A.
Zones 7 thru 10.
Full sun to partial shade.
Landscape
uses - Hedges, tall screens, groups with
under-plantings, Bonsai, topiaries and containers.
Drought tolerant once established, not salt tolerant,
should be protected from salt spray.
Japanese Privet is
relatively pest free, can be subject to scale and sooty
mold if planted in shady, moist locations & doesn't like
"wet feet". If the roots stay wet root rot will probably
result. Some find the smell of the flowers to be
offensive and a few people may even experience allergy
symptoms from them.
Ligustrum
japonicum will spread from seeds so its best to remove
the fruit when it appears.
L.
lucidum and L. sinense are invasive and
should not be planted in Florida, these two are
extremely difficult to eradicate, sprouting back from
small pieces of root left in the soil and seeds spread by
birds into lawns and forest where they readily sprout.
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