Ligustrum japonicum aka Japanese Wax Leaf Privet

Ligustrum japonicum, also known as wax-leaf privet or Japanese privet, is a species of Ligustrum native to central and southern Japan, as well as Korea. It is a large evergreen shrub or small tree that can grow up to 3 feet in the sun to partial shade. The plant is dense and upright, drought and salt spray tolerant, and can tolerate being pruned heavily. It grows in a range of soil conditions, except for constantly wet soils. Japanese privet flowers in late spring and has an odor that is offensive to many people. The foliage is lustrous and dark green, making it a popular choice for landscaping around buildings where it is often pruned to a "giant meatball" shape. It can also be grown as a small tree. However, it produces toxic berries and is weedy in disturbed areas around buildings, having escaped and naturalized in moist areas. Japanese privet is tolerant of alkaline soils, pollution, shade, dry conditions, and is cold hardy. The plant is widely cultivated in other regions and is naturalized in California and in the southeastern United States from Texas to Virginia. Despite its weedy tendencies, it works well as an evergreen ornamental shrub in the landscape, though it does not make for a great foundation plant. Additionally, Waxleaf Privet is a relatively rare houseplant that is easy to grow and needs regular watering to thrive. It does best in long-lasting, direct light and should be placed less than 1 foot from a window.