Privet, Common and California Privets
Ligustrum vulgare, Lingustrum ovalifolium
Washington State Classification
Monitor List
This plant is on the monitor list - it is not a listed noxious weed in Washington.
Quick Reference
Identification
Growth Habit
Upright to spreading, semi-deciduous shrub growing to up to 9 feet tall though sometimes taller.
Leaves
Leaves are arranged opposite each other on stems. They are 1.2 to 2.4 inches (3-6 cm) long, longer than wide with widest part at middle or above the middle (lanceolate to oblanceolate). Leaves green with smooth margins.
Flowers
Flowers in clusters at branch tips. Each flower white (to , with 4 petals united at base to form a short tube
Fruit & Seeds
Fruit is a berry-like drupe with 2-4 seeds, black,
Impact
This plant is on the monitor list - it is not a listed noxious weed in Washington. Please contact Sophie Schmidt to report locations or for more information.
Ecology & Spread
Habitat
Disturbed areas, especially areas that were disturbed by human causes, like by machinery. Survives well in sun and mostly shade, like throughout forests.
Spread Mechanisms
Reproduction
Seed, resprouts from roots
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