About Ligustrum sinense Lour.
Ligustrum sinense Lour. is a deciduous shrub that reaches a height of 2–7 m (6.5–23 ft), and has densely hairy shoots. Its leaves are arranged oppositely; they are typically 2–7 cm (0.7–2.7 in) long and 1–3 cm (0.3–1.1 in) broad, rarely grow larger, have smooth entire margins, and grow from 2–8 mm (0.07–0.31 in) long petioles. The flowers are white, with a four-lobed corolla that measures 3.5–5.5 mm (0.1–0.2 in) in length. The fruit is subglobose, with a diameter of 5–8 mm (0.1–0.3 in), and is considered poisonous. Ligustrum sinense is cultivated as an ornamental plant and for use as hedges. Several cultivars have been selected for cultivation: these include the highly floriferous 'Multiflorum', the variegated cultivar 'Variegatum', and the dwarf cultivar 'Wimbei', which grows to 0.5 m tall and only produces leaves up to 6 mm long. This species was introduced to North America specifically for use in hedges and landscaping. It has since escaped from cultivation, and is now listed as an invasive plant in the southeastern states of the U.S. It is estimated that Chinese privet, the common name of this species, currently occupies over one million hectares of land across 12 states ranging from Virginia to Florida and west to Texas, and its spread causes detrimental effects to local biodiversity and forest health.
