PlantFiles: Japanese Privet, Waxleaf Privet
Ligustrum japonicum

How to distinguish Ligustrum japonicum from Ligustrum japonicum:

The leaf tips of Ligustrum japonicum are blunt or bluntly pointed; however, those of Ligustrum japonicum are sharply pointed.

When a L. lucidum leaf is backlit by strong light, the lateral veins are lucid and appear as is a “halo” (pinkish) on the leaf margins. L. japonicum leaf veins are inconspicuous or opaque before a strong light.

L. japonicum usually has a shiny, waxy leaf, whereas, a L. lucidum leaf is dull.

When grown as a tree, L. japonicum is smaller in stature than L. lucidum and can grow to 20 ft. with an equal spread. L. lucidum can grow 25 ft. (8 m) to 40 ft. (14 m) in height with a 25 ft. (8 m) to 35 ft. (12 m) spread.

L. japonicum usually has small clusters of tightly bunched fruit with L. lucidum having prominent, loose clusters of fruit.

There seems to be confusion as to this plant's true identity here. Unfortunately, the moniker "Japanese Ligustrum" has been used for Ligustrum lucidum in many areas, and several of the photos here show that species instead of Ligustrum japonicum (more frequently referred to in my area as "Waxleaf Ligustrum" -- a reversal of the two species' literal meanings).

Japanese Privet, Waxleaf Privet Ligustrum japonicum is naturalized in Texas and other States and is considered an invasive plant in Texas.

This plant is very prolific in northern California. I constantly have strong-rooted volunteers popping up in my yard. Their favorite place to sprout seems to be right near the trunks of other valuable trees, making it hard to dig them out. 'Invasive' is too strong a term, but they are definitely annoying.

Like Ligustrum sinensis, this is an exotic invasive species. Wildlife disperse the seeds from its abundant drupes, which then sprout and grow with amazing vigor in Southern woodlands. They compete with native understory plants and even suppress native hardwood regeneration. Like kudzu, it is extremely difficult to remove once it has established itself. We would be better off if Ligustrum had never been imported to N America.

My first experience was very good, but I'm not sure if I got lucky in my method of cutting and planting. I cut a small (6inch) stem, removed all but three small leaves, cut it on an angle wet it covered with Rootone, shook off excess then placed it into a mixture of sand and peat moss. These were in a cold frame, and not opened for about 5-6 mo's. Approximately 90% made it, have since placed into 1 gal. containers for about another 4 months. All have made it into 18 inch plants.

In my area which is Dallas, Tx., it grows like a weed. The only kind I have ever planted is the varigated. However if you prune that it goes solid green. They love the fence line and will grow in between it. We have the small leaf and the large. I prefer to shape them into trees, the blooms are beautiful and the berries give color to a bland landscape in the winter.

A very popular and dependable shrub or small tree in the lower South. Flowers are very fragrant, but some people are allergic. Good for urban landscapes and for topiaries. Excellant screen, but be prepared to do lots of clipping for a formal hedge. Variegated forms available in yellow and white.

When planting a few of them, you can sense a sweet smell when they all start blooming at the same time. It´s a great sensation I have everyday in my way to work.

Wonderfully tough plant that grows fast and tolerates many moisture conditions including lack of. Makes a great hedge or small tree for the landscape. If pruned right, it'll form a vase-shaped small tree. Or, if cut completely off about three feet from the grond to rejuvenate it every few years, it will make a beautiful round huge bush/small tree like the one in the first pic on this page.

One drawback is limbs die off in older ones, so you'll need to prune them out quite often.

Needs well-drained soil and prefers regular watering. Grows fast. Leaves are glossy and leathery.