Appearance

Ligustrum amurense is a dense, erect, multi-stemmed, fast-growing, deciduous shrub (semi-evergreen in mild winter areas) that grows up to 12-15 ft (3.7-4.6 m) tall. It is native to Northern China.

Foliage

The simple opposite leaves are elliptic to oblong in shape and grow up to about 2.5 in (6.4 cm) long. Leaves are usually dull green above with entire margins and hair on the underside midribs.

Flowers

Flowers are creamy white and held in panicles about 2 in (5.1 cm) long. Flowers have an aroma that many people find unpleasant. Flowers bloom from May-June.

Fruit

Green oval fruit ripen to black drupes which each contain a single seed. Fruit ripens in fall.

Ecological Threat

L. amurense grows well in average, dry to medium, well-drained soils in full sun to part shade. It does not do well in wet conditions. L. amurense is tolerant of a wide range of soils and is tolerant of urban conditions. Plants will naturalize by self-seeding in optimum growing conditions, and may form thickets in areas where growth is not controlled. L. amurense has been planted extensively in landscape settings as a hedge.

Selected Images

Maps

Invasive Listing Sources

• Indiana Invasive Species Council - Invasive Plant List
• New Jersey Invasive Species Strike Team 2017 Invasive Species List
• Non-Native Invasive Plants of Arlington County, Virginia
• Reichard, Sarah. 1994.  Assessing the potential of invasiveness in woody plants introduced in North America. University of Washington Ph.D. dissertation.
• South Carolina Exotic Pest Plant Council
• WeedUS - Database of Plants Invading Natural Areas in the United States

References