Ligustrum obtusifolium aka Border Privet

Ligustrum obtusifolium, also known as border privet or Amur privet, is a species of privet native to Japan, Korea, and northeastern China. It is a deciduous shrub that can reach a height of 3 meters. The leaves are elliptic to oval, slightly glossy green, and can turn purple in autumn. In summer, it produces hanging clusters of small, scented, tubular white flowers, which are followed by round, blue-black berries. This species is considered invasive in certain parts of the United States, particularly in southern New England, the mid-Atlantic States, and the Great Lakes regions. It can also be found in scattered occurrences in the South, the Great Plains, and Washington state. Along with Ligustrum ovalifolium, it is a parent of the widespread hybrid Ligustrum × ibolium. There are three subspecies, including Ligustrum obtusifolium subsp. obtusifolium in Japan, Ligustrum obtusifolium subsp. microphyllum in eastern China, Korea, and Japan, and Ligustrum obtusifolium subsp. suave in northeastern China. In terms of cultivation, border privet is a rare houseplant that thrives with regular watering and long-lasting, direct light. It prefers well-draining soil and does not typically require added fertilizers if repotted when it doubles in size.