Is Ligustrum toxic to humans?
All introduced species of Ligustrum produce fruit toxic to humans that cause such symptoms as nausea, headache, abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhea, weakness, and low blood pressure and body temperature. Where Chinese privet occurs in abundance, floral odors may cause respiratory irritation (Westbrooks & Preacher 1986). Chinese herbalists highly value this herb and use it to nourish the liver and adrenals, for dizziness, low back pain, and palpitations. Ligustrum has a taste of BITTER, SWEET and a temperature of NEUTRAL.Human health Privet berries and leaves have been reported to be mildly toxic to humans if ingested in large amounts.In addition to the privet’s impact on natural landscapes, it can be directly harmful to humans. All introduced species of Ligustrum produce fruit toxic to humans that cause such symptoms as nausea, headache, abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhea, weakness, and low blood pressure and body temperature.
Is Ligustrum vulgare invasive?
Ecological Threat. Ligustrums can tolerate a wide range of conditions. They form dense thickets invading fields, fencerows, roadsides, forest understories, and riparian sites. They can shade out and exclude native understory species, perhaps even reduce tree recruitment. Heavy pruning to reduce the size or to tree form your Ligustrum should be performed in late winter, while the plant is dormant. Use a sharp pair of bypass hand pruners to selectively remove stray or damaged branches. Make your cut at a point along the branch just above the main form of the plant.As the weather starts cooling down in autumn, your Ligustrum will start slowing down too. This is an evergreen plant, so as the name suggests, it won’t lose its leaves over winter.Ligustrum shrubs are the perfect choice for home landscapes. These plants can thrive in various conditions, including full sun or partial shade, and they are deer resistant. Their versatility and undemanding nature make them an ideal choice, even for inexperienced gardeners.Because Ligustrum is a highly invasive non-native plant that is taking over wooded areas throughout the Eastern United States, crowding out native species and drastically reducing biodiversity in those areas.
How quickly does Ligustrum grow?
Growth Rate: Japanese privet has a rapid growth rate of 25 inches or more per year. Landscape Use: This shrub is excellent for use as a hedge or screen or for shaping into a small tree. Cultivation: Japanese privet is adapted to adverse conditions of drought, heat, cold, many soil types and salt spray. Privet is a hardy plant, and can withstand quite a bit of regular pruning. And, to keep its shape, you’ll need to keep on top of your hedge trimming. Also, bear in mind that this is a fast-growing plant — you might see around 30cm growth a year. Therefore, you should aim to prune your privet at least twice a year.For privet hedges, it is best to trim at least twice a year between May and August. This is to maximise the chances of growth and make your shrub stronger throughout winter months. Put simply, the more you trim your privet hedge, the thicker and denser it becomes.Because privet grows rapidly, a declining hedge could be cut to within a few inches of the ground and allowed to completely regenerate. If well irrigated and fertilized, one might expect 4-5 feet of growth in a single growing season.North Privet This deciduous or semi-evergreen shrub is America’s fasting-growing hedge, growing up to 3′ per year. The shrub’s dense, dark, glossy green foliage makes it an excellent choice for hedges and privacy screens.
Where is the best place to plant Ligustrum?
Sunshine Ligustrum Care This plant does best in full sun, which means at least 6 hours of sunlight a day. You need to plant in well-drained soil, as privet cannot tolerate soggy feet. The bush can adapt to most well drained soils. Water frequently to help the plant get established. Privet hedges are a dense shrub variety with bright green leaves. These are popular landscaping features for creating yard privacy. A major drawback of privet hedges is that they’re poisonous to humans and animals.If you live in the north-east, then European privet (Ligustrum vulgare) also called common privet, is the main bad-guy. This is a plant that will grow rapidly and crowd out your garden, as well as producing some dull flowers that never the less seed profusely, and have already spread into many north-eastern forests.The most common pests that affect privet hedging in the UK include vine weevil, spider mites and scale insects. Common privet hedge diseases should be dealt with quickly to prevent your privet hedge dying, these include honey fungus, powdery mildew, rust and leaf spot which are common in UK gardens.