Ligustrum lucidum aka Broad Leaf Privet

Ligustrum lucidum is a tree or large shrub that stays green. People call it glossy privet or Chinese privet. It belongs to the olive family, Oleaceae. It is native to Nepal, northeastern Myanmar, and China. Hainan and southern Korea also form part of its native range. Wild plants grow in woods and river valleys. They also grow along roadsides.

Shrubs reach 12–15 feet [3.7–4.6 metres]. Trees often reach 25–40 feet [7.6–12.2 metres]. Some sources give heights of 50 feet [15.2 metres]. Tree crowns spread 25–35 feet [7.6–10.7 metres]. Several trunks can hold up a dense crown. Its shape can be round or like a vase. Branches bend down as they grow. Young twigs are green or gray. The simple leaves have one blade and grow in opposite pairs. They are dark green and shiny, with a leathery feel. Their tips are pointed, and their edges are smooth. Light shines through the leaves and shows their veins. They stay green through winter, with no fall color change.

Small cream-white flowers form upright groups at branch tips. Their strong scent can be unpleasant. Bloom times range from late spring through summer into early autumn. Missouri Botanical Garden gives August to September as the bloom time. Blue-black drupes, or fruits with a stone, follow the flowers. They can last into winter. Birds eat the fruit and spread the seeds. Butterflies visit the flowers. Fallen fruit can stain paving, patios, and cars. Fruit and leaf litter can pose a cleanup problem.

Grow this plant in sun or partial shade. It accepts sand, loam, and clay soils that drain well. Soil can be acidic, neutral, or alkaline. Dry to somewhat moist soil suits it. Wet soil can cause root rot. It copes with drought and city conditions. Sources give USDA zones 8–10. Florida guidance extends the range to zone 11. The RHS rates it H5. Young plants grow fast, then slow with age. It copes with hard pruning. People have used it as a hedge, screen, or specimen. Yet plants that escape form dense thickets. These crowd out native growth. Plants can be hard to remove once they take hold. Planting thus poses risks to the local plant life.

Pests include aphids, scale insects, and whiteflies. Weevils and mites can also attack it. Possible diseases include anthracnose, twig blight, and cankers. Mildew and honey fungus may also occur. The fruit is toxic to people. Leaves and fruit can harm dogs. Eating it can cause stomach pain, vomiting, diarrhea, and weakness. PFAF lists cooked shoots as famine food. It warns that they may be toxic. PFAF also notes past use of fruit as medicine. This does not prove it is safe. Wax linked to insects on its branches has served in candles and polish.