Ligustrum spp. -- privets

There are a number of commonly-cultivated species of Ligustrum, as well as multiple hybrids. See text under Notes.

Non-native* (Europe and Asia)

Ligustrum sp. [8]

Typical flowers, this L. vulgare; some types more elongated
[2] Robert Videki

Typical fruit
[4]

[1] L. obtusifolium

[1] L. ovalifolium

[1] L. vulgare

Notes:
Michigan Flora online lists three privets naturalized in Michigan:

• Ligustrum obtusifolium (Border Privet)
• Ligustrum ovalifolium (California Privet)
• Ligustrum vulgare (Common Privet, European Privet)

L. vulgare is apparently the most common, although hybrids and other species/cultivars may dominate in some areas, especially in urbanized settings.

All have similar small, dull purple fruit with dry, mealy pulp and a large seed relative to the pulp. Although in some regions, particularly in the U.S. southeastern states, some species of privets are readily eaten by birds, they do not seem to be a  highly desirable, at least in fall, in southeast Michigan. Perhaps the two common southern species, L. lucidum (Glossy Privet) and L. sinense (Chinese Privet), that are not yet found in Michigan are more appealing to birds.

Flowering dates for L. vulgare are in June-July, with fruit in September-October (often persisting through winter).

References:

• Genus profile at USDA Plants Database
• Michigan Flora online genera key (see links above to several species)
• Profiles from the Invasive Plants Atlas:
• Ligustrum obtusifolium
• Ligustrum ovalifolium
• Ligustrum vulgare
• Invasive Plant Science and Management paper: Identification and control of invasive privets (Ligustrum spp.) in the Middle Southern United States (pdf)
• The Nature Conservancy Element Stewardship Abstract for Ligustrum (pdf)

* Listed as invasive in natural areas by the Invasive Plant Atlas of the United States.

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