Tree Privet
Ligustrum lucidum
Also listed as Esquirolia sinensis, Faulia verrucosa
Climate Match for your location
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Tree privet is a glossy-leaved evergreen tree with small fragrant white flowers in late spring, followed by small dark blue berries. It is widely used as an ornamental specimen or shade tree in warm climates.
Why grow it
Tree privet offers a fast-growing evergreen option for warm-climate shade and screening, with the added benefit of fragrant late-spring flowers and ornamental berry production. Compared to other Ligustrum species, L. lucidum grows larger and more tree-like, making it suitable for specimen plantings where a substantial deciduous or semi-deciduous form is preferred. It tolerates a range of soil types and requires minimal maintenance once established.
Watch out for
Tree privet can self-sow prolifically in favorable conditions, potentially spreading beyond intended boundaries. Regular monitoring and removal of seedlings may be necessary, particularly in gardens near natural areas. The plant responds vigorously to pruning but can become leggy without consistent shaping during establishment.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Oleaceae
Native Range
East Asia
Seasonality
Bloom Season
Season of Interest
Notable Cultivars
'Variegatum' features cream-and-green variegated foliage and is more ornamental but less vigorous than the species.
Sub-canopy
Smaller trees living beneath the canopy.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Propagation
Tree privet is a glossy-leaved evergreen tree with small fragrant white flowers in late spring, followed by small dark blue berries. It is widely used as an ornamental specimen or shade tree in warm climates.
Climate Match for your location
See how well Tree Privet grows in your area.
Enter your ZIP code and we'll show you how this plant fits your local climate.
Why grow it
Tree privet offers a fast-growing evergreen option for warm-climate shade and screening, with the added benefit of fragrant late-spring flowers and ornamental berry production. Compared to other Ligustrum species, L. lucidum grows larger and more tree-like, making it suitable for specimen plantings where a substantial deciduous or semi-deciduous form is preferred. It tolerates a range of soil types and requires minimal maintenance once established.
Watch out for
Tree privet can self-sow prolifically in favorable conditions, potentially spreading beyond intended boundaries. Regular monitoring and removal of seedlings may be necessary, particularly in gardens near natural areas. The plant responds vigorously to pruning but can become leggy without consistent shaping during establishment.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Oleaceae
Native Range
East Asia
Seasonality
Bloom Season
Season of Interest
Sub-canopy
Smaller trees living beneath the canopy.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Propagation
Similar sub-canopy trees you might consider:
Enter your ZIP code to see top native species and strong climate fits for you.
Companion Planting
Plants well with
Notable Cultivars
'Variegatum' features cream-and-green variegated foliage and is more ornamental but less vigorous than the species.