Do NOT Plant Ligustrum (Privet) - Here's Why

By: Haeley Giambalvo Native Backyards.com

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What is Ligustrum?

Ligustrum (also called Privet) is a non-native landscaping tree / shrub commonly used in the United States. 

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Ligustrum is an evergreen shrub that can get up to 50 ft. tall. It has waxy leaves and is covered in dark purple fruit (called drupes) in the fall.

What does it look like?

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There are several species of Ligustrum in the US - some are native to Asia and another species is native to Europe.

Where is it native to?

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Ligustrum has become invasive in parts of the United States.  It escapes yards when birds deposit its seeds elsewhere.

The problem:

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So what?

Ligustrum can take over a wooded area, crowding out native plants and forming a monoculture.

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Once it spreads, it is hard to eradicate

Volunteers around the country spend hours trying to remove it from natural areas.

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In Ligustrum forests the pollinators & birds are few

A US Forest Service study showed 4x fewer bees & 3x fewer butterflies in wooded areas taken over by Ligustrum.

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When you head to the nursery, skip the Ligustrum (Privet) and pick a plant that is native to your area!

Cheese

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