Common Privet (Ligustrum vulgare)
The Privet is a deciduous bush which may also be evergreen in mild climates; it is rarely found as a small tree growing to a height of 5 metres. It is only found in sunny shrubberies, light woodlands and borders on mostly calcareous soil. All parts are poisonous.
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Appearance
The Privet is a deciduous bush which may also be evergreen in mild climates; it is rarely found as a small tree growing to a height of 5 metres. It is only found in sunny shrubberies, light woodlands and borders on mostly calcareous soil. All parts are poisonous.
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Spring
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Leaves
Lance-like, elliptical leaves, 3-9cm long, 1-4cm wide, leaf stem 0.1-0.5cm long, with a hard surface. Leaves are dark green above, pale green below.
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Leaf upperside
Lance-like, elliptical leaves, 3-9cm long, 1-4cm wide, leaf stem 0.1-0.5cm long, with a hard surface. Leaves are dark green above, pale green below.
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Flowers
Flowering period VI-VII, small white panicles approx. 8cm long, with an unpleasant scent.
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Fruits
Pea-sized black berries approx. 0.5cm in diameter, particularly decorative; persistent. Mildly toxic!
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Bark
Grey-green bark, smooth and grainy, becoming lenticular with age. Branches are glossy olive grey, glossy grey-brown or glossy reddish-brown.
Poisonousness
All parts of the plant contain bitter principles, tanning agents and resins and are therefore mildly toxic. Up to 5 berries can normally be digested without ill-effect. Any larger quantities may lead to nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea.
Application
Open fields, pioneer tree, parks, urban areas, roadside verges, car parks, pedestrian precincts, backyards, roof-gardens, topiary, gardens, front gardens, verandas
Native regions
Central Europe, Southern Europe, Southeastern Europe, Middle East, Asia Minor
Location parameters
Light: sunny to semi-shady, temperature: warm to cool, soil: dry to moist, soil structure: normal to loose, soil depth: medium, soil quality: medium to high, pH value: 6.0 to 8.5
Demands
Sun to slight shade; heat-tolerant, frost-hardy; undemanding in all substrates except highly acid moor soil; resistant to urban climates and wind, only moderately salt-tolerant
Growth
Height of growth: 5m to 7m, spread: 3m, dense, bushy, upright, suckering
Leaves
Lance-like, elliptical leaves, 3-9cm long, 1-4cm wide, leaf stem 0.1-0.5cm long, with a hard surface. Leaves are dark green above, pale green below.
Flowers
Flowering period VI-VII, small white panicles approx. 8cm long, with an unpleasant scent.
Fruits
Pea-sized black berries approx. 0.5cm in diameter, particularly decorative; persistent. Mildly toxic!
Bark
Grey-green bark, smooth and grainy, becoming lenticular with age. Branches are glossy olive grey, glossy grey-brown or glossy reddish-brown.
Roots
Surface-rooter, fine root system