Ligustrum japonicum, known as wax-leaf privet or Japanese privet is a species of Ligustrum native to Japan and Korea. It is widely cultivated in other regions, and is naturalized in California and in the southeastern United States.
Japanese privet is a large evergreen shrub or small tree that grows rapidly up to 3' in the sun to partial shade. It is dense and upright, drought and salt spray tolerant, can tolerate being pruned heavily, and grows in a range of soil conditions (except constantly wet). It flowers in late spring and has an odor that is offensive to many people. It has lustrous, dark green foliage and is frequently planted around buildings and pruned to a "giant meatball" shape. It can be grown as a small tree. It produces toxic berries. Japanese privet is weedy in disturbed areas around buildings and has escaped and naturalized in moist areas. It works in the landscape as an evergreen ornamental shrub, however, it does not work well as a foundation plant. It is tolerant of alkaline soils, pollution, shade, dry conditions, and it cold hardy.
