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| ## chinese privet {#chinese-privet .Title-Header}                     |
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| *Ligustrum sinense* Lour.                                             |
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| Plant Symbol = LISI                                                   |
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Contributed by: USDA NRCS National Plant Data Center & Louisiana State
University-Plant Science; partial funding from the US Geological Survey
and the US National Biological Information Infrastructure

### ![](media/image2.jpeg){width="2.3027777777777776in" height="4.432638888888889in"}

# Uses

Weed (**very invasive in the southern US**), ornamental

# 

# Noxiousness

Chinese privet was introduced into the United States from China for
ornamental planting. Having escaped from cultivation, it is now
naturalized throughout the southeastern United States. The greatest
threat posed by this species is large-scale ecosystem modification due
to its ability to successfully compete with and

displace native vegetation. Chinese privet plants mature rapidly and are
prolific seed producers. They also reproduce vegetatively by means of
root suckers. Once established, Chinese privet is difficult to eradicate
because of its reproductive capacity.

*Impact/Vectors*: *Ligustrum sinense* is native to China and was
introduced into the United States in 1852 for use as an ornamental
shrub. It is used for hedge and mass plantings, and sometimes as single
specimens for its foliage and its profusion of small white flowers (Dirr
1990; Wyman 1973). It continues to be widely sold in the nursery and
gardening industry. The foliage of Chinese privet is also used,
presumably, for cut-flower arrangements. This horticultural introduction
has been cultivated for a relatively long time in the United States.
Wyman (1973) reports that this species is still growing as a hedge on
the old Berkman's Nursery grounds in Augusta, Georgia, where it was
planted in the early 1860's. It was planted on the Chickamauga and
Chattanooga National Military Park after it came under the control of
the Secretary of War in 1890. Present day plants are descendants of
those early plantings (Faulkner et al. 1989). According to Small (1933),
the species was escaping from cultivation in southern Louisiana by the
1930's. A survey of appropriate herbaria reveals collection records from
Georgia as early as 1900. Based on herbarium records the species has
become naturalized and widespread in the southeast and eastern U.S.
during the 1950's, 60's, and 70's. Taylor et al. (1996) notes the rapid,
recent spread of *Ligustrum sinense* in Oklahoma.

![](media/image3.png){width="2.6881944444444446in"
height="2.1256944444444446in"}

The species is a major threat to natural landscapes. An example of
Chinese privet's ability to push a native species closer to extinction
is noted in the recovery plan for Schweintz's sunflower (*Helianthus
schweinitzii*). This endangered species is known from about 16
populations on the piedmont of the Carolinas. Residential and commercial
development and the invasion of aggressive exotics, such as *Ligustrum
sinense*, represent the greatest threats for this species (U.S. Fish and
Wildlife Service 1992). Similar observations about the competitive
characteristics of Chinese privet have been noted in various Nature
Conservancy reports in the Southeast. Removal of Chinese privet from
natural areas is problematic and essential for their restoration (News
from Volunteers of the Nature Conservancy, North Carolina Chapter and
the Louisiana Chapter, pers. comm. 1997).

In addition to the privet's impact on natural landscapes, it can be
directly harmful to humans. All introduced species of *Ligustrum*
produce fruit toxic to humans that cause such symptoms as nausea,
headache, abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhea, weakness, and low blood
pressure and body temperature. Where Chinese privet occurs in abundance,
floral odors may cause respiratory irritation (Westbrooks & Preacher
1986). Chinese privet is sold in nurseries and is often included on
recommended planting lists or other literature produced by cooperative
extension services without mention of its invasive nature. Named
cultivar selections have been developed (Bailey and Bailey 1976).

Chinese privet grows in a wide variety of habitats and can tolerate a
wide range of soil and light conditions, but it grows best in mesic
soils and abundant sunlight but can tolerate lower light conditions
(Thomas 1980; Bailey & Bailey 1976). Few woody plants offer an easier
test of gardeners' skills.

![](media/image4.jpeg){width="2.488888888888889in"
height="1.6590277777777778in"}

The species persists on abandoned home sites and can readily invade
abandoned lots and farmlands where it forms impenetrable thickets. It
becomes especially abundant along fencerows, stream, bayou, and forest
margins, and it has the ability to invade forests (Godfrey 1988).

Chinese privet reproduces by sexual and vegetative means. Seeds,
produced in great abundance, are spread by birds (McRae 1980). Landscape
plantings provide seed sources for establishment in disturbed habitats.
Soil disturbances of all sorts such as forest clearing, abandoned
agricultural lands, and fence construction provide opportunities for
colonization by Chinese privet. Natural disturbances for example tree
falls, erosion, animal excavations, etc. provide similar colonization
opportunities. The plants also have the ability to reproduce
vegetatively from root suckers. Once established, Chinese privet is
difficult to control because of the huge seedbank and the need to remove
underground parts as well. Because of these characteristics, the major
impact of Chinese privet is its ability to displace native species and
disrupt various terrestrial ecosystems.

# Status

Please consult the PLANTS Web site and your State Department of Natural
Resources for this plant's current status, such as, state noxious status
and wetland indicator values.

# Description

*General*: Olive Family (Oleaceae). Chinese privet is a shrub or small
tree that may grow to as much as 30 feet tall although its typical
height ranges from 5 to 12 feet. If flowering, its blossoms are very
aromatic. Its root system is shallow but extensive. Suckers are readily
produced and the plants can spread vegetatively in this fashion. The
plants branch abundantly and the branches typically arch gently
downward. Its twigs are usually densely hairy (pubescent) when young,
and the plant hairs (trichomes) spread at right angles from the twig
surface. Raised, tan-colored lenticels are also evident on the twig's
surface. Chinese privet leaves are evergreen to semi-deciduous and are
oppositely arranged (two leaves per node) along the stem on nodes that
are usually less than one inch apart. The leaf stalk (or petiole, shown
below) is about one-eighth inch long and covered with hairs. Leaf blades
are elliptical in shape and are up to one inch wide and about two inches
long. Leaf margins lack teeth (entire). The upper leaf blade surfaces
are glabrous (without hairs) at maturity. Hairs occur along the midvein
(see photo below) and sometimes on branch veins of the lower surfaces.
![](media/image5.jpeg){width="1.1in" height="1.65in"}

The flowers occur in numerous, cone-shaped, branching clusters
(panicles) two to four inches long that profusely cover the shrub when
flowering. A short, slender stalk (pedicel) supports each flower. The
green calyx consists of four sepals fused to form a small, cup-like
structure. Four white to off-white petals that are basally fused to one
another make-up the corolla. Each flower has two stamens attached to the
corolla, and they project beyond the corolla throat (exserted stamens).
The flowers produce a somewhat disagreeable aroma. The single pistil in
each flower matures into a blue-black, berry-like fruit. The fruit are
ellipsoidal to nearly globose and are produced abundantly in persistent,
pyramidal clusters.![](media/image6.png){width="1.1895833333333334in"
height="1.0256944444444445in"}![](media/image7.png){width="1.3923611111111112in"
height="0.93125in"}

Chinese privet is similar to Common Privet (*Ligustrum vulgare*), a
European species that is naturalized in more temperate areas of the
eastern United States. [Chinese privet has evergreen to semi-evergreen
leaves]{.underline}, [densely hairy twigs and petioles]{.underline},
[pubescent midveins on its lower leaf surfaces]{.underline}, and
[exserted stamens]{.underline}. In contrast, common privet is deciduous
to somewhat evergreen with sparsely pubescent twigs, glabrous midveins,
and included stamens (the tips of the anthers are shorter than the
extended corolla lobes) (Gleason 1952).
![](media/image8.jpeg){width="1.492361111111111in"
height="0.9986111111111111in"}

*Distribution*: A survey of herbarium records shows that its present
distribution includes an area extending from Florida to southern New
England and westward to the eastern parts of Kansas, Oklahoma, and
Texas. Chinese privet thrives in wet to dry habitats. It persists around
old home sites and flourishes along fencerows, and stream and forest
margins where it forms impenetrable, monocultural thickets. For current
distribution, please consult the Plant Profile page for this species on
the PLANTS Web site.

# Control

It is recommended that you contact your local agricultural extension
specialist and/or county weed specialist for control measures pertinent
to your area.

Various control measures have been reported for Chinese privet. For
small areas and for relatively small plants, hand removal is effective.
Digging tools such as a mattock are useful for removing underground
parts. Broken root fragments need to be removed because of their ability
to re-sprout. Repeated mowing and cutting will control the spread of
privet, but will not eradicate it. For such treatment, stems should be
cut as close to the ground as possible (Bartlow et al. 1997). Mechanical
removal is especially effective in the early stages of an invasion when
the numbers of plants are relatively small.

For larger natural areas where the use of chemical herbicides is
inadvisable, enlisting numerous helpers to mechanically remove Chinese
privet may be required. Using heavy equipment for large-scale removal
may be appropriate in some locations, but the negative effects of soil
disturbance and the potential for erosion need to be considered.

Herbicide treatments properly applied can selectively remove invasive
species with minimal soil disturbance. Even slight soil disturbance may
offer opportunities for re-invasion. When considering chemical control,
local laws affecting herbicide use must be observed. Appropriate
precautions in various habitats may be needed. Kline & Duquesnel (1996)
point out that not all herbicides are appropriate for all areas. Some
may damage non-target species. Herbicides will behave differently in
different environments and under different conditions (Neal et al.
1986). For example, they may degrade more slowly in wetter, more
anaerobic soils or move downward in sandier soils. A careful monitoring
program is essential for evaluating herbicide use.

Randall & Marinelli (1996) report effective control of Chinese privet
with glyphosate herbicides stating that foliage treatment is best for
actively growing plants. Foliar spray methods should be used only where
risk to non-target species is minimal. A 2% solution of glyphosate or 2%
triclopyr with a one-half percent of non-ionic surfactant is reportedly
effective for treating Chinese privet (Bartlow et al. 1997).

Kline & Duquesnel (1996) discuss various treatments for woody species
including Brazilian pepper, Australian pine, Chinese tallow, and other
tree-like species. They note that within mixed stands single stem
treatments consisting of basal-bark treatments, cut-surface treatments
(injection, cut-stump, or girdle), or direct foliar applications may be
effective. A typical basal or cut-surface treatment consists of a 10-50%
mixture of one of the following types of herbicides (glyphosate,
hexazinone, imazapyr, or triclopyr) with an oil dilutant. They provide a
table for use as a guide for selecting application methods and
herbicides for various invasive plant species.

Brian Bowen, President of the Tennessee Exotic Pest Plant Council,
reports success in controlling privet using 25% glyphosate/75%
horticulture oil applied as a cut-surface treatment (personal
communication, 1997). He advises against using this application as the
plants break dormancy because upward movement of the sap reduces the
treatment's effectiveness. The same herbicide preparation is effective
when applied to cut stumps as long as the ground isn't frozen (Bartlow
et al. 1997). For the basal bark method, applying a mixture of 25%
triclopyr/75% horticultural oil to the basal parts of the shrub is
reported (Bartlow et al. 1997). W. N. Kline, Senior Scientist, Dow
Elanco, Duluth, Georgia, also favors basal-bark or cut-surface treatment
over foliar application (pers. comm. 1997). The latter causes such rapid
leaf drop that translocation of the herbicide in the plants is reduced,
thereby lowering its effectiveness. Furthermore, he reports that
disturbance (e.g., fire or mechanical) should be avoided for about one
year following basal-bark or cut-surface treatments to allow
translocation of herbicides. Disturbance of the plants or root system
too soon after treatment may disrupt translocation and result in
resprouting.

Fire is a naturally occurring phenomenon that is essential for certain
native plant communities to exist. Its use in exotic pest plant control
is being investigated. Faulkner et al. (1989) reported its effectiveness
as a management tool in the Chickamauga and Chattanooga National
Military Park for controlling *Ligustrum sinense* and other pest plants.
Fire had the benefit of killing large privet stems, but the vigorous
resprouting that followed burning offset this gain. Fall and winter
burns had desirable aesthetic effects by considerably reducing the
biomass of privet, but no long-term benefits were achieved since the
species still remained.

Fire was also used as a herbicide pretreatment (Faulkner et al. 1989).
In the spring following the fall and winter burns, foliar application of
glyphosate damaged or killed a majority of the Chinese privet shoots.
Burning facilitated foliar application of herbicide by reducing biomass.
However, it did not increase the effectiveness of the herbicide compared
to the unburned controls.

Privet has no known biological controls. A foliage-feeding insect native
to Europe, *Macrophya punctumalbum*, is a known pest. Privet is also
susceptible to a fungal leaf spot, *Pseudocercospora ligustri*, and a
common root crown bacteria, *Agrobacterium tume-faciens* (Bartlow et al.
1997).

# Illustrations and Photographs: 

Auburn University 1999. *Dendrology: Chinese privet*. Version: 000330.
\<http://sofserv.forestry.auburn.edu/samuelson/dendrology/oleaceae_pg/chinese_privet.htm\>.
Department of Forestry, Auburn, Alabama.

Gleason, H. A. 1952. *Illustrated flora of the northeastern United
States and adjacent Canada*. Lancaster Press, Inc., Lancaster, PA. (line
drawing, vol 3, p. 53.)

Godfrey, R. K. 1988. *Trees, shrubs, and woody vines of northern Florida
and adjacent Georgia, and Alabama*. The University of Georgia Press,
Athens. 734 pp. (excellent line drawing showing flower and fruit in
detail, p. 518).

Radford, A. E., H. E. Ahles, & C. R. Bell 1968. *Manual of the vascular
flora of the Carolinas*. University of North Carolina Press, Chapel
Hill, North Carolina. (small line drawing, p 831).

Randall, J. M. & J. Marinelli 1996. *Invasive plants, weeds of the
global garden*. Brooklyn Botanic Garden, Handbook #149, Brooklyn, New
York. 99 p. (photograph, plants in flower, p. 58)

Schopmeyer, C. S. 1974. *Seeds of woody plants in the United States*.
USDA, Forest Service, Agricultural Handbook No. 450. (illustration of
*L. sinense* seeds and seedlings of *L. vulgare*, a similar species, p.
500, 502).

# References

Bailey, L. H., & E. Z. Bailey 1976. *Hortus third: A concise dictionary
of plants cultivated in the United States and Canada*. Macmillan
Publishing Company, New York, New York. 1186 p.

Bartlow, J., K. Johnson, M. Kertis, T. Remaley, S. Ross, E. Simet, T.
Smith, D. Soehn, & G. Taylor 1997. *Tennessee exotic plant management
manual*. 119 pp. (http://webriver.com/tn-eppc).

Dirr, M. 1990. *Manual of woody landscape plants: their identification,
ornamental characteristics, culture, propagation, and uses*. 4th
Edition. Stipes Publishing Co., Champaign, Illinois. 826 pp.

Gleason, H. A. 1952. *Illustrated flora of the northeastern United
States and adjacent Canada*. Vol. 3. Lancaster Press, Lancaster,
Pennsylvania.

Godfrey, R. K. 1988. *Trees, shrubs, and woody vines of northern Florida
and adjacent Georgia, and Alabama*. The University of Georgia Press,
Athens, Georgia. 734 pp.

James, T. K. & J. Mortimer 1983. *Control of privet*. Pg 206-209. IN
*Proceedings of the 37th New Zealand weed and pest control conference*,
Christ Church, New Zealand.

Kline, W. N. & J. G. Duquesnel 1996. *Management of invasive exotic
plants with herbicides in Florida*. Down to Earth. Vol 51. No. 2.

McRae, W. A. 1980. *Unusual bobwhite foods on abandoned Piedmont
farmlands, Georgia*. Georgia Journal of Science 38(1):49-54.

Miller, J.H. 1998. *Primary screening of forestry herbicides for control
of Chinese privet (Ligustrum sinense), Chinese wisteria (Wisteria
sinensis), and trumpetcreeper (Campsis radicans)*. IN Proceedings, 51st
annual Southern Weed Science Society meeting, January 26-28, Birmingham,
Alabama. \<http://www.srs.fs.fed.us/pubs/viewpub.asp?ID=836\>. USDA, FS,
Southern Research Station, Ashville, North Carolina.

Neal, J. C., W. A. Skroch, & T. J. Monaco 1985. *Effect of plant growth
stage on glyphosate absorption and transport in Ligustrum and blue
Pacific juniper*. Weed Science 34(1):115-121.

Randall, J. M. & J. Marinelli 1996. *Invasive plants, weeds of the
global garden*. Brooklyn Botanic Garden, Handbook #149, Brooklyn, New
York. 99 p.

Westbrooks, R. G. & J. W. Preacher 1986. Poisonous plants of eastern
North America. University of South Carolina Press, Columbia, South
Carolina. 172 p.

Small, J. K. 1933. *Manual of the southeastern flora*. The University of
North Carolina Press, Chapel Hill, North Carolina. 1499 p.

Taylor, C. E., K. L. Magrath, P. Folley, P. Buck, & S. Carpenter 1996.
*Oklahoma vascular plants: Additions and distributional comments*.
Proceedings of the Oklahoma Academy of Science 76:31-34.

Thomas, E. H. 1980. *The New York Botanical Garden illustrated
encyclopedia of horticulture*. Garland STPM Press, New York, New York.

USDI, Fish and Wildlife Service 1992. *Endangered and threatened species
of the Southeastern United States (The Red Book).* USFWS, Southeastern
Region, Atlanta, Georgia.

Wyman, W. 1973. *Shrubs and vines for American gardens*. MacMillan
Publishing Co., Inc., New York, New York. 613 pp.

# Prepared By

## *Lowell Urbatsch*

Department of Plant Biology, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge,
Louisiana

# Species Coordinator

## *Mark Skinner*

USDA, NRCS, National Plant Data Center, Baton Rouge, Louisiana

Edited: 05dec00 jsp;03feb03ahv; 060802 jsp

For more information about this and other plants, please contact your
local NRCS field office or Conservation District, and visit the PLANTS
Web site\<[http://plants.usda.gov](http://plants.usda.gov/)\> or the
Plant Materials Program Web site
\<[http://Plant-Materials.nrcs.usda.gov](http://Plant-Materials.nrcs.usda.gov/)\>

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