Ligustrum japonicum
Japanese privet
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Family: Oleaceae · Type: Shrub / Tree · Not Native
Ligustrum japonicum (Japanese privet) is a non-native California shrub / tree in the Oleaceae family, recognized by leaf size and plant stature.
Japanese privet is a naturalized shrub found in southern California coastal areas on canyon slopes at elevations below 45 meters. Flowering from May to September, this plant produces white flowers in clusters with corolla tubes slightly longer than its lobes. Growing up to 3 meters tall with multiple stems, it develops a spreading, dense form characteristic of ornamental shrubs. Its leaves are ovate-elliptic to obovate, 5 to 8 centimeters long with a pointed tip and a base that ranges from acute to rounded. The plant produces small anthers approximately 1 to 2 millimeters long with slightly obtuse tips.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: 1 sympatric species; key features are leaf size and plant stature
Habitat and range
Habitat: Canyon slopes
Elevation: < 45 m
Outside California: native to Japan, Korea
Bloom period
Ligustrum japonicum blooms May-Sep.
How to tell it apart
vs Sambucus: Ligustrum has simple leaves; Sambucus has compound leaves divided into leaflets.; vs Ficus: Ligustrum has tubular flowers in terminal clusters; Ficus flowers hidden inside fig fruits.; vs Prunus: Ligustrum flowers are tubular with fused petals; Prunus flowers have five separate petals.; vs Lagerstroemia: Ligustrum has simple opposite leaves; Lagerstroemia leaves often appear whorled with crinkled petals.; vs Trachelospermum: Ligustrum is an upright shrub; Trachelospermum is a twining vine.
Frequently asked questions
Is Ligustrum japonicum native to California?
No. Ligustrum japonicum is not native to California (recorded as not native).
When does Ligustrum japonicum bloom?
Ligustrum japonicum blooms May-Sep.
What plant family does Ligustrum japonicum belong to?
Ligustrum japonicum is in the Oleaceae family, genus Ligustrum.
What habitat does Ligustrum japonicum grow in?
Ligustrum japonicum grows in Canyon slopes.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
Sources: Jepson eFlora · CalPhotos
Last updated 2026-10-07
Data from The California Species Project — 14,000+ California species with verified data from CNPS, CDFW, USFWS, Cal-IPC, and more.