Ligustrum lucidum – Glossy Privet
- Jan 11
- 2 min read
Explore Ligustrum lucidum (Glossy Privet) – its characteristics, habitat, cultivation, propagation, and functional uses and benefits.
Ligustrum lucidum | Botanical Characteristics
Common Names: Glossy Privet, Broadleaf Privet
Family: Oleaceae
Appearance: An evergreen tree or large shrub with a dense, rounded crown and glossy, dark green, oval leaves. Produces large panicles of small, creamy-white, fragrant flowers followed by bluish-black berry-like drupes.
Type: Perennial
Evergreen / Deciduous: Evergreen
Layer: Canopy / Low Tree
Root System: Fibrous, shallow to moderately deep root system
Height: 5–15 m
Width: 4–10 m
Lifespan: Long-lived
Growth Rate: Fast
Fertility: Self-fertile
Flowers: Hermaphroditic
Pollinator: Bees and other insects
Toxicity: Fruits mildly toxic to humans if ingested; leaves and berries toxic to livestock and pets in quantity
Ligustrum lucidum | Habitat and Cultivation
Range
Native Range: China, Korea, and parts of Southeast Asia
Companionship: Tolerates a wide range of surrounding plants; tends to dominate plantings due to dense canopy and root competition
Invasive Range: Naturalized and invasive in parts of the Mediterranean, South America, Australia, New Zealand, and the southern United States
USDA Hardiness Zone: 8–11
Minimum Chill Hours Required: None
Resistance/Tolerance
Poor Soil: High tolerance
Drought: Moderate to high tolerance once established
Shade: High tolerance
Flood: Moderate tolerance
Wind: High tolerance
Maritime: Moderate tolerance
Air Pollution: High tolerance
Fire: Low to moderate tolerance – resprouts after low-intensity fire
Thriving Conditions
Sun Exposure: Full sun to partial shade
Soil Moisture: Moderate; adaptable to dry or periodically wet soils
Soil Type: Wide tolerance; clay, loam, or sandy soils
Soil pH: Slightly acidic to alkaline
Propagation
Seeds: Primary method; readily germinates and contributes to spread
Cuttings: Semi-hardwood cuttings root easily
Ligustrum lucidum | Functional Uses and Benefits
Permalogica cannot take any responsibility for any adverse reactions or health effects from using plants. Always consult a professional before using plants for medicinal purposes.
Edible: Fruits not edible
Medicinal: Fruits used in traditional Chinese medicine (Ligustri Lucidi Fructus)
Cosmetics: Extracts used occasionally in traditional formulations
Animal Feed: Not suitable
Fiber: No
Timber: Limited use for small objects and fuel
Firewood: Yes – usable but not high quality
Wind Break: Yes – effective due to dense canopy
Fence: Yes – commonly used as hedge or living fence
Cover Crop: No
Mulch: No
Nitrogen Fixer: No
Dynamic Accumulator: No confirmed data
Pollinator Attractor: Yes – flowers attract bees and insects
Pest Repellent: No
Wildlife Supporter: Provides shelter and fruit for birds, contributing to seed dispersal
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