Chinese Privet is an abundant semi-evergreen small tree or large shrub, most commonly found invading the understory of moist areas. Perhaps North Carolina's biggest exotic invasive problem shrub.

With small, opposite, thickened leaves, it isn't likely to be confused with native trees, though young ones can be confused with the native Coralberry (Symphoricarpos orbiculatus), which is a low shrub with thinner leaves.

Brunswick Co., NC 8/26/06.

Our only other common Ligustrum is Glossy Privet (Ligustrum lucidum), which has much larger leaves. To separate this from other introduced Ligustrum species, note that the branches are densely pubescent, the leaves are pubescent beneath on the midrib, the flowers are on pedicels, and the flower tube is shorter than the lobes.

Chatham Co., NC 9/20/08.

That's Japanese stilt grass (Microstegium vimineum) in the background - our biggest problem invasive grass in native ecosystems. These two often grow together, completely crowding out natives.

Orange Co., NC.

Chinese Privet is showy in bloom, covered with sickly-sweet small white flowers.

Orange Co., NC 5/19/04.

Flower detail. The flower tube is slightly shorter than the lobes.

Orange Co., NC 5/19/04.

Copious amounts of fruits are produced. The berries turn black when ripe and are gobbled up by birds, which spread the seeds far and wide.

Orange Co., NC.

The trunk is usually forked near the base. Bark is a smooth gray with lenticels. The shade under a Chinese Privet is often so dense that almost nothing can grow underneath it.

Orange Co., NC