Small leaf privet (Ligustrum sinense)
Small leaf privet is native to Asia. This plant was commonly used as a
hedge plant in the past but causes allergies in humans, and has become invasive
in native bushland, and neglected gardens and wastelands. Small leaf privet
is considered to be serious environmental weed throughout Australia.
Infestations threaten biodiversity, including endangered plant and animal
species and ecological communities. Dense stands of privet prevent other vegetation
surviving or establishing.
Small leaf privet is a shrub or small tree that has green leaves up to
7cm long, usually with wavy margins. Privet flowers in spring. Its flowers are
small, white and strongly scented in large sprays on the ends of, or along, the
branches. Flowers are followed by blue/black berries which are attractive to
birds.
Dispersal: This species reproduces by seed and root
suckers, and it also re-sprouts after its stems
are deliberately cut or otherwise damaged. Its seeds are readily dispersed
by fruit-eating birds and other animals. They may also be spread by
water or in dumped garden waste.
Privet is unlikely to be sold in nurseries but may be available at fetes
or markets. Do not plant it, and if it is already present in your garden please
remove it so it doesn’t get a chance to spread further. You may find privet
seedlings coming up regularly in your garden under any trees.
Removal: Remove young plants by hand. This is best done when the soil is
moist to ensure you do not break off or leave any of the root system in the
ground. For plants that cannot be pulled out, carefully dig out the plant,
removing as much of the root system as possible. Large plants may need chemical
treatment.
Grow Me Instead
Grevillea biternata – A grevillea
from WA with a massed display of creamy white flowers.
Leptospermum ‘Cardwell’ - Gracefully
weeping aromatic evergreen foliage, covered in white
flowers late winter to
spring.
