Japanese Privet, Japanese Ligustrum, Waxleaf Ligustrum, Texas Privet, Waxleaf Privet
Ligustrum japonicum
Family: Oleaceae
What it is like
Bloom Color: White. Main Bloom Time: Early summer, Early spring, Late summer, Late spring, Mid summer, Mid spring. Form: Rounded, Spreading or horizontal, Vase.
Ligustrum japonicum is an evergreen Shrub growing to 5 m (16ft) by 6 m (19ft) at a medium rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 7 and is not frost tender. It is in leaf all year, in flower from August to September. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and can grow in heavy clay soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.
Height (m): 5
Where it is found
Woods and thickets in lowland and hills, C. and S. Japan.
E. Asia - China, Japan, Korea.
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 1
The roasted seed is a coffee substitute. Young shoots - cooked. A famine food, used when all else fails. The shoots contain a glycoside and are probably toxic.
Coffee: the various substitutes that can be used instead of coffee.
Medicine
Rating: 1
The fruit is said to be a nutrient tonic. Extracts of the plant show antibacterial, antiulcer and hypotensive activity.
Antibacterial: Kills bacteria.
Hypotensive: Reduces blood pressure, it is used in the treatment of high blood pressure
Tonic: Improves general health. Slower acting than a stimulant, it brings steady improvement.
Other
Rating: 3
A commercial insect wax is produced on the branches as a result of eggs being laid by insects. Another report says that the wax is produced by the plant due to the stimulation of the feeding insects. Yet another report says that the wax is produced by the insects. It is used for candles and as a polish for earthenware pots, book edges etc. The plant can be used as a hedge. It is very amenable to trimming.
Hedge: Plants that can be grown as hedges.
Wax: Used for making candles etc.
Hedge: Hedge
How it is grown
Landscape Uses:Border, Container, Pest tolerant, Rock garden, Screen, Standard, Seashore, Specimen. A very tolerant and easily grown plant, it succeeds in any soil that is not impoverished or water-logged. Grows well in heavy clay soils. Succeeds in sun or semi-shade. Closely related to L. lucidum. There are many named varieties selected for their ornamental value. This species is notably resistant to honey fungus. Special Features:Attractive foliage, Not North American native, Naturalizing, Attractive flowers or blooms.
Propagating it: The seed does not require any pre-treatment and can be sown in the spring in a cold frame. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse for at least their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts. Cuttings of half-ripe wood, 5 - 10cm with a heel, July/August in a frame. Very easy. Cuttings of mature wood, 20 - 30cm in a sheltered outdoor bed in November/December. High percentage.
Best place to grow: Woodland Garden Dappled Shade; Shady Edge; Hedge;
Habit: Shrub
Hardiness: 7-10
Growth: Medium
Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)
Shade: Semi-shade, no shade
Moisture: Moist
Things to keep in mind
Although no reports of toxicity have been seen for this species, at least one member of this genus is recorded as being mildly toxic and it is quite possible that other members of the genus also contain toxins.