Chinese Privet

Native to China, this shrub is now found throughout the southeastern U.S. and is one of the most destructive weeds in North America.  Chinese privet was brought to the U.S. in 1852 for use as an ornamental plant, and is still commonly sold and used as a hedge.  This multi-stemmed shrub can grow up to 20’ tall, and the entire branch usually has leaves.  Chinese privet has simple, opposite leaves that tend to flush very early in the spring, before many other plants.  White, aromatic flowers give way to small fruits that are eaten by birds and other wildlife; this is one way the plant spreads – the other is by root sprouts.  Chinese privet is highly invasive on disturbed sites, such as after a timber harvest, or along fence rows and forest edges.  This plant can outcompete native plants and quickly overtake an area, creating very dense thickets, and has been shown to have detrimental effects on wildlife and native flora.  Prevention is the best management.  Several mechanical control options, such as hand pulling, mowing, or cutting, may be effective, but to effectively eliminate this plant the roots must be removed.  Herbicides are effective, and foliar applications in early spring or late autumn (when native plants are usually dormant) are most effective.