Common Privet

Pollen Type: Tree

Cross-Reactivity: Other Privets, Olive, Lilac

HS Allergy Extract: Privet, Common

Family: Oleaceae

Genus/Species: Ligustrum vulgare

Common Names: Common Privet, Wild Privet, European Privet

Distribution: Western United States.

Locations: Riparian forests throughout Southeastern U.S.; is considered invasive where abundant

Pollination Method: Wind-pollinated

Pollinating Period: Summer into Fall

Description: Common privet is a fast-growing ornamental shrub that can be semi-evergreen or deciduous, depending on the climate. It grows 10′-15′ tall and wide. Its stems are rigid and upright, with grey-brown bark spotted with small brown lenticels (raised pores). Its dark green leaves are oval to lanceolate and grow to 2.5″ long. Its creamy white flowers are small and tubular and grow in panicles up to 3″ long. They are very fragrant, but their odor is unpleasant. When the flowers die, globe-shaped, glossy drupes (fruits) take their place. They ripen to black in the fall and stay throughout winter.