Practical information to identify and manage non-native, invasive plants
The Quiet Invasion:A Guide to Invasive Plants of the Galveston Bay Area
Ligustrum sinense
| USDA Symbol: | LISI |
| ITIS TSN: | 32979 |
| Presence: | Current Invaders |
| Habitat: | Terrestrial |
| Native Range: | Japan |
Toxic Characteristics
Possibly toxic to livestock.Geographic Distribution
Located in the southeastern U.S. west to Texas, Oklahoma, and Missouri, and as far north as Massachusetts. Scattered across Southeast Texas, and located in Brazoria, Chambers, Galveston, and Harris counties in the Galveston Bay watershed.Introduction Pathways
Brought to the United States in the early 1800s as an ornamental shrub. Continues to be introduced by ornamental cultivation and as wildlife forage often used by hunters.Specific Primary Habitats
High preference to wet, disturbed bottomland forest areas, often colonizing the shrub layer along forest edges and fencerows. Shade and flood resistant.Identifying Characteristics
Gray-tan branches grow at right angles off multiple trunks. Leaves are oppositely arranged on slender gray-green stems and are green and oval or elliptical, with fine hairs on the underside. Flowers are small and white, 4-petaled, obnoxiously sweet-smelling, and grow in clusters off panicles (stems of flowers) 4 - 6 inches long at the end of branches. Fruits are blue-black berries up to 1/4 inches in diameter and contain a hard seed.Reproduction Characteristics
Produces a large amount of seed, which is dispersed by animals, especially birds. Blooms April through June. Also propagates via root and stump sprouts.Growth Characteristics
Chinese privet is a fast grower, and can reach 30 feet in height and 25 feet in crown diameter.Ecological, Economic, or Social Impact
Chinese privet forms dense thickets, usually dominating the understory of forests. Outcompetes nearly all native herbaceous plants.Suggested Control Methods
Plants less than 1 inches in stem diameter should be uprooted. Light foliar application of glyphosate (1.5 lbs acid equivalent per acre) is recommended over triclopyr, and is most effective in spring or fall. Care should be taken to avoid native plant species.|
Native Species Alternatives
Below is a list of alternative plants that are native to the area:
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Lists
This species belongs to the following lists:
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Images
To view a larger version of an image, click on the thumbnail. Flowers of the Chinese privet. Photo courtesy of James R. Allison, Georgia Department of Natural Resources, www.forestryimages.org; Image Number 0001063. |
 Flowers and foliage of the Chinese privet. Photo courtesy of Ted Bodner, Southern Weed Science Society, www.forestryimages.org; Image Number 0016058. |
 Infestation of the Chinese privet in forest understory in early spring. Photo courtesy of James H. Miller, USDA Forest Service, www.forestryimages.org; Image Number 2307077. |
 Fruit and foliage of the Chinese privet. Photo courtesy of Ted Bodner, Southern Weed Science Society, www.forestryimages.org; Image Number 2307078. |
 Mature fruit of the Chinese privet in January. Photo courtesy of James H. Miller, USDA Forest Service, www.forestryimages.org; Image Number 2307079. |
 Stem and bark of the Chinese privet in September. Photo courtesy of James H. Miller, USDA Forest Service, www.forestryimages.org; Image Number 2307081. |
 Leaves of Chinese privet. Photo courtesy of the Image Archive of Central Texas Plants, University of Texas. www.sbs.utexas.edu |
 Berries of Chinese privet. Photo courtesy of the Image Archive of Central Texas Plants, University of Texas. www.sbs.utexas.edu |