Japanese Privet and Glossy Privet were introduced as ornamentals into the U.S. from Japan and Korea in 1845 and 1794, respectively. European Privet also was introduced as an ornamental, but from China and Europe in the early to mid-1800s. They are small (Japanese Privet = 20’; Glossy Privet and European Privet = 30’) evergreen trees. They all can occur as single plants or in thickets of numerous individuals in lowland and upland habitats.
European Privet closely resembles Chinese Privet Ligustrum sinense in appearance. Both species are shade tolerant and spread from root sprouts and by birds and animals that consume and disperse their abundant seeds. All three species are classified by the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries as a Tier II invasive species defined as “currently causing moderately negative impacts on wildlife or natural communities in Louisiana”.
Landscape With These Native Plants Instead:
