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Ligustrum japonicum - Thunb.

Common Name Japanese Privet, Japanese Ligustrum, Waxleaf Ligustrum, Texas Privet, Waxleaf Privet
Family Oleaceae
USDA hardiness 7-10
Known Hazards Although no reports of toxicity have been seen for this species, at least one member of this genus is recorded as being mildly toxic and it is quite possible that other members of the genus also contain toxins[65].
Habitats Woods and thickets in lowland and hills, C. and S. Japan[58].
Range E. Asia - China, Japan, Korea.
Edibility Rating    (1 of 5)
Other Uses    (3 of 5)
Weed Potential No
Medicinal Rating    (1 of 5)
Care (info)
Fully Hardy Moist Soil Semi-shade Full sun
Ligustrum japonicum Japanese Privet, Japanese Ligustrum, Waxleaf Ligustrum, Texas Privet, Waxleaf  Privet


Ligustrum japonicum Japanese Privet, Japanese Ligustrum, Waxleaf Ligustrum, Texas Privet, Waxleaf  Privet
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Summary

Bloom Color: White. Main Bloom Time: Early summer, Early spring, Late summer, Late spring, Mid summer, Mid spring. Form: Rounded, Spreading or horizontal, Vase.


Physical Characteristics

 icon of manicon of shrub
Ligustrum japonicum is an evergreen Shrub growing to 5 m (16ft) by 6 m (19ft) at a medium rate.
See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 7 and is not frost tender. It is in leaf all year, in flower from August to September. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects.
Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and can grow in heavy clay soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.

UK Hardiness Map US Hardiness Map

Synonyms

Habitats

Woodland Garden Dappled Shade; Shady Edge; Hedge;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Leaves  Shoots
Edible Uses: Coffee

The roasted seed is a coffee substitute[61, 177]. Young shoots - cooked. A famine food, used when all else fails[179]. The shoots contain a glycoside and are probably toxic[K].

References   More on Edible Uses

Medicinal Uses

Plants For A Future can not take any responsibility for any adverse effects from the use of plants. Always seek advice from a professional before using a plant medicinally.
Antibacterial  Hypotensive  Tonic

The fruit is said to be a nutrient tonic[218]. Extracts of the plant show antibacterial, antiulcer and hypotensive activity[218].

References   More on Medicinal Uses

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Other Uses

Hedge  Hedge  Wax

A commercial insect wax is produced on the branches as a result of eggs being laid by insects[11]. Another report says that the wax is produced by the plant due to the stimulation of the feeding insects[61, 149]. Yet another report says that the wax is produced by the insects[178]. It is used for candles and as a polish for earthenware pots, book edges etc[178]. The plant can be used as a hedge[11]. It is very amenable to trimming.

Special Uses

Hedge  Hedge

References   More on Other Uses

Cultivation details

Landscape Uses:Border, Container, Pest tolerant, Rock garden, Screen, Standard, Seashore, Specimen. A very tolerant and easily grown plant, it succeeds in any soil that is not impoverished or water-logged[11, 182]. Grows well in heavy clay soils. Succeeds in sun or semi-shade[188]. Closely related to L. lucidum[11, 200]. There are many named varieties selected for their ornamental value[200]. This species is notably resistant to honey fungus[200]. Special Features:Attractive foliage, Not North American native, Naturalizing, Attractive flowers or blooms.

References   Carbon Farming Information and Carbon Sequestration Information

Temperature Converter

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The PFAF Bookshop

Plants For A Future have a number of books available in paperback and digital form. Book titles include Edible Plants, Edible Perennials, Edible Trees, and Woodland Gardening. Our new book to be released soon is Edible Shrubs.

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Propagation

The seed does not require any pre-treatment and can be sown in the spring in a cold frame[113]. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse for at least their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts. Cuttings of half-ripe wood, 5 - 10cm with a heel, July/August in a frame. Very easy[78]. Cuttings of mature wood, 20 - 30cm in a sheltered outdoor bed in November/December. High percentage[78].

Other Names

If available other names are mentioned here

Native Plant Search

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Found In

Countries where the plant has been found are listed here if the information is available

Weed Potential

Right plant wrong place. We are currently updating this section. Please note that a plant may be invasive in one area but may not in your area so it’s worth checking.

Conservation Status

IUCN Red List of Threatened Plants Status :

Related Plants
Latin NameCommon NameHabitHeightHardinessGrowthSoilShadeMoistureEdibleMedicinalOther
Ligustrum delavayanum Shrub3.0 6-9  LMHFSNM003
Ligustrum indicum Shrub3.0 -  LMHSNM10 
Ligustrum lucidumChinese Privet, Glossy privet, White Wax Tree, Tree LigustrumShrub10.0 8-11 MLMHFSNM133
Ligustrum obtusifoliumBorder privetShrub3.0 4-7 MLMHSNM203
Ligustrum ovalifoliumPrivet, California privetShrub4.0 4-8 MLMHFSNDM003
Ligustrum sinenseChinese PrivetShrub3.0 7-10 MLMHSNM013
Ligustrum vulgarePrivet, European privet , Common PrivetShrub3.0 4-7 MLMHSNDM013

Growth: S = slow M = medium F = fast. Soil: L = light (sandy) M = medium H = heavy (clay). pH: A = acid N = neutral B = basic (alkaline). Shade: F = full shade S = semi-shade N = no shade. Moisture: D = dry M = Moist We = wet Wa = water.

 

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Expert comment

Author

Thunb.

Botanical References

1158200

Links / References

For a list of references used on this page please go here

Readers comment

Janie Grace   Thu May 8 2008

How often does the Ligustrum japonicum need trimming? Does any body know? And how wide does it grow?

   May 11 2017 12:00AM

Can a flower essence be made from this? Do you know the energetic vibrations?

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