Japanese Privet
Ligustrum japonicum · Evergreen Broadleaf
Plant Family
Oleaceae
Tree Category
Ornamental / Screen / Small Tree
Variety / Cultivar
Not identifiable from image; possibly standard species or 'Texanum'
Hardiness Zones
7 to 10
About This Tree
A dense, fast-growing evergreen shrub or small tree with an upright, spreading, and rounded habit. It features lustrous dark green foliage and large panicles of white, often strong-smelling flowers followed by dark black berries.
Leaf Characteristics
Simple, opposite arrangement, 2 to 4 inches long, ovate to oblong-ovate. They are leathery (coriaceous), dark glossy green above and pale green below with entire (smooth) margins.
Bark Characteristics
Smooth and grayish-brown when young, developing small lenticels (pores). It remains relatively smooth with age but can develop slight fissures or roughness on older trunks.
Growing Information
Origin Region
Central and Southern Japan, Korea; widely naturalized in the Southeastern United States
Growing Season
Year-round evergreen growth; flowers in late spring to early summer (May-June); fruits ripen in autumn and persist through winter; no true dormancy in mild climates
Sunlight & Water Needs
Full sun to partial shade; prefers moist, well-drained soil but is highly adaptable to various soil types and possesses moderate drought tolerance once established.
Mature Size
Typically 6 to 12 feet tall as a shrub, but can reach 15 to 20 feet as a small tree with a similar spread; moderate to fast growth rate.
Special Characteristics
Extremely tolerant of heavy pruning, pollution, and salt spray. Often used as a high privacy hedge. Note: Considered invasive in several US regions due to prolific seed production via birds.
Wildlife & Ecology
Flowers provide nectar for bees and butterflies. The dark blue-black drupes (berries) are a food source for many bird species, which helps facilitate seed dispersal.