Plant · GBIF taxon 3172297
Ligustrum lucidum
ligustrum lucidumAlso known as Broad-leaf Privet, Glossy Privet, Tree Privet, Wax-leaf Privet
Glossy privet stands out as a dense evergreen tree with thick, leathery leaves and heavy clusters of fragrant cream-white flowers in late spring. These blooms yield abundant dark purple berries that birds disperse widely across urban woodlands and forest margins. Rapid growth and extreme shade tolerance allow this tree to form impenetrable canopy cover that displaces native understory species.
EvergreenInvasiveWhite Flowers
1 / 7—observations
—countries
—peak records
Not EvaluatedConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXNot Evaluated — not placed on the risk ladderRed List categories, explained →
Diet & prey
- Sunlight
- Water
- Soil Nutrients
Predators
- Insects
- Browsing Mammals
ThreatsDeforestation in native range, actively managed as an invasive elsewhere
HabitatsDisturbed Forests, Urban Woodlands, Riparian Zones
Life span50 to 100 years
Size / weightNot available
Classification
- OrderLamiales
- FamilyOleaceae
- GenusLigustrum
- Speciesligustrum lucidum
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskHigh
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is high
- Berries and foliage are toxic if ingested; wild fruit also carries severe look-alike risks.
- Why it is dangerous
- Contains terpenoid glycosides like ligustrin that cause severe gastrointestinal upset, vomiting, and lethargy if eaten.
- How to recognize a risky encounter
- Recognized by dark green glossy opposite leaves and heavy clusters of tiny blue-black autumn berries.
- What to do
- Keep pets away from fallen berries and wear gloves while removing or pruning foliage.
Responsible observation
- Seedling Control: Pull young plants early to prevent deep taproots from forming dense thickets.
- Pruning Caution: Wear garden gloves to avoid skin contact with sap when cutting branches.
Close Relative (c) Douglas Goldman, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA), uploaded by Douglas Goldman · cc-by-sa
Family Member 
Family Member (c) Jais Knudsen, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Jais Knudsen · cc-by
Family Member Jjron / CC BY-SA 3.0 · cc-by-sa
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