Sign up for the iWire to get breaking news, event info and the species spotlight.


Go Back | Printer Friendly Fact Sheet

Federal Noxious Weed
TDA Noxious Weed
TPWD Prohibited Exotic Species
Invasive Plant Atlas of the US

NOTE: means species is on that list.

Ligustrum lucidum


Glossy privet

Synonym(s):
Family: Oleaceae (Olive Family)
Duration and Habit: Perennial Tree

Additional Images

(opens new window or tab)


Photographer: James H. Miller
Source: USDA Forest Service, Bugwood.org

Description

Tree privet is a fast-growing evergreen tree approximately 25ft (8m.) to 40ft (14m.) in height with a 25ft (8m.) to 35ft (12m.) spread. It has a dense canopy of bending branches composed of glossy green leaves which have narrow, translucent margins, (Gilman & Watson, 1993). Leaves are dark green, with a paler green undersurface. Flowers are produced in large clusters and are small, cream-coloured and strongly scented (Environment B.O.P). After pollination by insects fruits ripen into bunches of small, oblong, 1 cm long, purplish black berries. Both leaves and fruit are poisonous to humans, (South Coast Weeds, Eurobodalla Shire Council).

Native Lookalikes: Currently no information available here yet, or there are no native Texas species that could be confused with Glossy privet.

Ecological Threat: L. lucidum has the potential to replace mid-canopy trees in forests and completely dominate an area of forest or forest fragments if not controlled. Tree privet often displaces native species in regenerating communities and if left undisturbed, may eventually dominate an area of forest. It is widely believed to contribute to allergies and asthma, though it does not produce any wind-blown pollen as the plant is insect-pollinated.

Biology & Spread: Colonize by root sprouts and spread by abundant bird- and other animal-dispersed seeds.

History:

U.S. Habitat: In North America, Ligustrum spp. often grow along roadsides, in old fields and in other disturbed habitats and in a variety of undisturbed natural areas.

Distribution

U.S. Nativity: Introduced to U.S.

Native Origin: China, Japan, Korea.

U.S. Present: AL, FL, GA, LA, MD, MS, NC, TX

Distribution in Texas:

Mapping

Invaders of Texas Map: Ligustrum lucidum
EDDMapS: Ligustrum lucidum
USDA Plants Texas County Map: Ligustrum lucidum

Invaders of Texas Observations

List All Observations of Ligustrum lucidum reported by Citizen Scientists

Native Alternatives

Other alternatives include inkberry (Ilex glabra), spicebush (Lindera benzoin), blackhaw (Viburnum prunifolium), red or black chokeberry (Aronia arbutifolia or melanocarpa)

Management

Physical: Small plants may be hand pulled; older individuals need to be dug out.

Chemical: For overall spray application, the following herbicides are suitable: Glyphosate (e.g. Roundup G2): knapsack: 100ml per 10 litres of water handgun: 1 litre per 100 litres of water NB: The addition of Pulse penetrant at a rate of 100ml per 100 litres water is recommended to improve herbicide uptake. Escort: knapsack: 5g per 10 litres of water handgun: 20g per 100 litres of water NB: The addition of Pulse, Boost or Freeway at 100ml per 100 litres of water will improve herbicide uptake. Tordon Brushkiller: knapsack: 100ml per 10 litres of water handgun: 1 litre per 100 litres of water. The stem cut and inject method is suitable for privet plants with a stem diameter of 50mm or more. Ring bark the base of the stem with downward axe/machete strokes, cutting into the sap wood. Apply herbicide to the point of runoff into each downward cut immediately after cuts have been made. Suitable herbicides and dilution rates for cut and inject treatment are: Glypohosate (e.g. Roundup G2): Use neat (i.e. undiluted) Escort: 20 g (+ 10ml Pulse penetrant) per litre of water Stump treatment Cut plant off about 50mm above ground level. Apply herbicide mixtures to top and sides of the stump. Pulse penetrant will aid uptake of the herbicide. Suitable herbicides and dilution rates for stump treatment of Privet are: Glyphosate: 2 litres (+10ml Pulse) per 10 litres of water Escort: 5g (+10ml Pulse) per 10 litres of water NB: Herbicide must be applied immediately after stumps have been cut. Herbicide is most effective when applied during Privet's active growing season - spring or autumn in fine weather. If using Escort, avoid use over or nearby desirable plants, or in areas where their roots may extend. (Environment B.O.P. 1998).

USE PESTICIDES WISELY: ALWAYS READ THE ENTIRE PESTICIDE LABEL CAREFULLY, FOLLOW ALL MIXING AND APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS AND WEAR ALL RECOMMENDED PERSONAL PROTECTIVE GEAR AND CLOTHING. CONTACT YOUR STATE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE FOR ANY ADDITIONAL PESTICIDE USE REQUIREMENTS, RESTRICTIONS OR RECOMMENDATIONS. MENTION OF PESTICIDE PRODUCTS ON THIS WEB SITE DOES NOT CONSTITUTE ENDORSEMENT OF ANY MATERIAL.

Text References

Auckland Regional Council (ARC) 2002. Auckland Regional Pest Management Strategy 2002-2007.

Online Resources

Global Invasive Species Database (http://www.issg.org/database)

Search Online

Google Search: Ligustrum lucidum
Google Images: Ligustrum lucidum
NatureServe Explorer: Ligustrum lucidum
USDA Plants: Ligustrum lucidum
Invasive Plant Atlas of the United States: Ligustrum lucidum
Bugwood Network Images: Ligustrum lucidum

Last Updated: 2007-11-08 by EEE
Share