Ligustrum vulgare - Common Privet

A semi-evergreen (evergreen in all but the harshest winters) large shrub which makes just as good a hedge as the more familiar Oval-leaved Privet. With narrower, pointed dark green leaves and larger panicles of flowers, it is an excellent, but often overlooked wildlife plant. Fast growing, if it is clipped regularly it will make a good dense hedge, but will not flower or fruit.

Site and soil

Wild Privet will grow in most soils, except very wet conditions, and does especially well on chalk. It is wind and shade tolerant and does well on coastal sites.

Height and spread

Below are the approximate stages of growth, assuming sited in suitable conditions for this species;

After 10 years: 3m x 3m
After 20 years: 3m x 3m

Leaf and bark

The leaves are oval to lance-shaped and a glossy dark green; evergreen. The bark is grey-brown, spotted with numerous lenticels.

Flower, seed and fruit

The creamy-white tubular flowers are carried in panicles 3-6cm long in July; they have a sweetish, musky scent. They are followed by clusters of glossy black fruits, each containing 1-4 seeds. The berries are poisonous to humans, but are relished by birds.

Uses

Hedges, mixed wildlife hedging, screening, woodland, game cover. The berried stems are valued for flower arranging, particularly as a contrast to the Spindleberry which fruits at the same time.

Wildlife

Common Privet has good wildlife value. Its dense habit provides an ideal nesting site for several species of birds. The flowers attract bees and other insects, and thrushes, blackbirds and waxwings eat the berries. Moths, including the Privet Hawk moth and the Lilac Beauty Moth feed on the shrub.