Ligustrum ovalifolium, for reasons that are not all that clear, is commonly called California privet even though it is native to Japan. It is a dense, fast-growing, deciduous (evergreen/semi-evergreen in warm winter areas) shrub that typically grows 10-15’ tall. It has over time escaped garden plantings and naturalized in many parts of the U.S. Elliptic-ovate, glossy, dark green leaves (to 2.5” long) are yellow-green beneath. Small, tubular, dull white flowers in upright panicles (to 4” long) bloom at stem tips in June-July. Flowers are very fragrant, but are considered by many to have an unpleasant aroma. Flowers give way to globe-shaped drupes which ripen to black in fall and persist into winter.

Zone: 5-8

Height: 10-15 ft.

Width: 10-15 ft.

Bloom Time: June to July

Flower Color:

Foliage Colors: Green

Sun: Full sun to partial shade

Special: Fragrant, showy, drought tolerant