Privet
Ligustrum ovalifolium
Also called Garden privet and Oval-leaf privet
Garden plant · ShrubsClipped it never flowers, which suits the neighbours and starves the bees — the RHS pollinator list names this plant, and only an unclipped one earns it. The black berries are the poisonous part.
Care at a glance
- Ease
- Easy
- Water
- Every 8 daysWater the ground — water at the base, in the morning, not over the leaves.
- Light
- Full sun
- Feed
- Every 45 days
- Humidity
- Average
- Hardiness
- Hardy — an average winter RHS H4, to -10°C
- Size
- 4 m tall · 3 m across
- Lifecycle
- Shrub
- Origin
- Japan
Is it safe for pets and people?
PetsToxic to pets
Affects dogs.
PeopleHarmful if eaten
The black berries most of all.
HandlingTake care handling it
RHS says to wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling it.
Checked against ASPCA and RHS on 2026-09-11.
A guide, not veterinary or medical advice. If a pet or a person has eaten a plant and you are worried, call your vet or doctor now — don’t wait for signs to appear. Spotted a mistake? Tell us.