Privet, European privet, Common Privet
Ligustrum vulgare
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: Vase.
Ligustrum vulgare is an evergreen Shrub growing to 3 m (9ft) by 3 m (9ft) at a medium rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 4 and is not frost tender. It is in leaf all year, in flower from June to July, and the seeds ripen from September to October. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. It is noted for attracting wildlife. 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 and can grow in very alkaline soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers dry or moist soil and can tolerate drought. The plant can tolerate maritime exposure. It can tolerate atmospheric pollution.
Height (m): 3
Where it is found
Open woodland, hedges and scrub, often by the sea and usually on calcareous soils.
Central and southern Europe, including Britain, to N. Africa.
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 0
Medicine
Rating: 1
The leaves are astringent, bitter, detergent, vulnerary. Internal use of this plant should be avoided since it can produce allergic symptoms. Externally it is a safe and effective treatment. The bark has been used as a stomachic, though this is not really recommended.
Astringent: Produces contraction in living tissue, reducing the flow of secretions and discharges of blood, mucus, diarrhoea etc.
Bitter: Increases the appetite and stimulates digestion by acting on the mucous membranes of the mouth. Also increases the flow of bile, stimulates repair of the gut wall lining and regulates the secretion of insulin and glucogen.
Detergent: A cleansing agent, used on wounds etc. It removes dead and diseased matter.
Vulnerary: Promotes the healing of wounds.
Other
Rating: 3
A yellow dye is obtained from the leaves, from the bark, according to other reports. A bluish-green dye is obtained from the berries; it is more permanent than most greens. A black dye can also be obtained from the fruit and an ink. Wood - hard, close-grained. It is valuable for turning if it reaches sufficient size and can also make small tools. The wood is a source of charcoal. The young twigs are used in basketry and hurdle making. Landscape Uses Border, Hedge, Screen, Superior hedge. Naturalizing, Attractive flowers or blooms.
Basketry: Plant used in making baskets and other items such as chairs. Includes plants that are only used as an ornamental addition.
Charcoal: Used for fuel, drawing, deodorant, filter, fertilizer etc.
Dye: Plants that provide dyes.
Ink: Plants that can be used as an ink.
Wood: A list of the trees and shrubs that are noted for having useful wood.
Attracts Wildlife: Plants noted for attracting wildlife
How it is grown
A very tolerant and easily grown plant, it succeeds in any soil that is not very impoverished. Grows well in heavy clay soils. Prefers a calcareous soil and succeeds in thin dry soils. Grows well in light woodland or the full shade of a wall but flowers and fruits best in a sunny position. Tolerant of atmospheric pollution, once established they also tolerate drought but are intolerant of water-logging. A suckering shrub, forming dense thickets and making good bird cover. An important food plant for many caterpillars, including the larvae of the privet hawk moth. This species is notably susceptible to honey fungus. Special Features:Not North American native, Invasive, Naturalizing, Attractive flowers or blooms.
Propagating it: Sow the seed in spring in a cold frame. Stored seed germinates better if it is stratified,. Remove any fruit flesh from around the seed before it is sown since this can inhibit germination. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the cold frame for their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts. The seed can also be sown in outdoor seed beds in the autumn. You can leave the plants to grow on in the seedbed for up to 4 years before planting them out into their permanent positions in the winter. 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. The cuttings can also be placed in situ if required. High percentage.
Best place to grow: Woodland Garden Sunny Edge; Dappled Shade; Hedgerow;
Habit: Shrub
Hardiness: 4-7
Growth: Medium
Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)
Shade: Semi-shade, no shade
Moisture: Dry, moist
Things to keep in mind
Poisonous, though the toxicity is of a very low order and normally the consumption of the fruit leads to vomiting or no symptoms at all.