Description
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Ligustrum Lucidum (Glossy privet) is a small tree or shrub which can reach a height of 30 feet or more, but is typically much smaller. It commonly has multiple trunks with light gray smooth or thorny bark and asymmetrical round or vase-shape dense crown with droopy branches.
Furthermore, leaves are dark green, glossy, opposite/sub-opposite, simple, entire, ovate to lanceolate, and 4 to 8 inches long. Flowers are white/cream/gray, showy, borne in erect terminal clusters up to 10 inches long; blooms are very small and fragrant. Fruits also borne in clusters, oval, round, fleshy, blue-black, berries less than 1/2 inch long, attracting birds. Fruits have medicinal use in China.
Ligustrum Lucidum (Glossy privet) is easily propagated with softwood cuttings or seeds. In cultivation it is hardy, growing in a range of well-drained soil types. Requires pruning to maintain tree form or shrub in hedging.
Thanks to its attractive foliage and flowers, Glossy privet is an excellent choice for a specimen or accent plant in a garden, courtyard, civic center, also suitable for large planters and formed into topiary. It is important to have in mind that fruits and leaves can create a litter problem; so is best to avoid street sides. Glossy privet is invasive.