Ligustrum sinense – Chinese Privet

Explore Ligustrum sinense (Chinese Privet) – its characteristics, habitat, cultivation, propagation, and functional uses and benefits.

Ligustrum sinense | Botanical Characteristics

Common Names: Chinese Privet, Small-Leaf Privet

Family: Oleaceae

Appearance: A semi-evergreen to deciduous shrub with small, opposite leaves and dense clusters of small, white, fragrant flowers followed by bluish-black berries.

Type: Perennial

Evergreen / Deciduous: Evergreen or semi-deciduous depending on climate

Layer: Shrub

Root System: Shallow but extensive root system, capable of vigorous suckering

Height: 2–5 meters

Width: 2–4 meters

Lifespan: Long-lived

Growth Rate: Fast

Fertility: Self-fertile

Flowers: Hermaphroditic

Pollinator: Attracts bees, flies, and other generalist pollinators

Toxicity: Berries are mildly toxic to humans; generally avoided by livestock

Ligustrum sinense | Habitat and Cultivation

Range

• Native Range: China and other parts of Southeast Asia

• Companionship: Often found growing in hedgerows and disturbed areas; rarely used in intentional polycultures due to invasiveness

• Invasive Range: Highly invasive in the southeastern United States and other warm-temperate climates

• USDA Hardiness Zone: 6–10

• Minimum Chill Hours Required: Not specified

Resistance/Tolerance

• Poor Soil: High tolerance

• Drought: High tolerance once established

• Shade: High tolerance

• Flood: Moderate tolerance

• Wind: High tolerance

• Maritime: Moderate tolerance

• Air Pollution: High tolerance

• Fire: Moderate tolerance; may resprout after fire

Thriving Conditions

• Sun Exposure: Full sun to deep shade

• Soil Moisture: Adaptable; tolerates dry to moist soils

• Soil Type: Tolerates clay, loam, and sandy soils

• Soil PH: Tolerates a wide range (5.0–8.0)

Propagation

• Seeds: Propagated by seed, dispersed easily by birds

• Cuttings: Readily propagated from softwood or hardwood cuttings

Ligustrum sinense | Functional Uses and Benefits

Edible: Not edible for humans

Medicinal: Not widely recognized

Cosmetics: Not typically used

Animal Feed: Not recommended; berries can be mildly toxic

Fiber: Not used for fiber

Timber: Not used for timber

Firewood: Can be used for firewood in small-scale applications

Wind Break: Commonly planted as hedges, but not advised due to invasiveness

Fence: Used historically in hedgerows and privacy screens

Cover Crop: Not used as a cover crop

Mulch: Not typically used

Nitrogen Fixer: No

Dynamic Accumulator: No significant data available

Pollinator Attractor: Yes, flowers attract pollinators

Pest Repellent: Not known for pest-repelling properties

Wildlife Supporter: Provides cover and berries for birds, though ecological value is debated due to invasiveness

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