Weed Watch - Small leaved privet

Ligustrum sinense

Common Names - Hedge Privet, Chinese Privet, Narrow-Leaved Privet

Family - Oleaceae

Origin - China

Description
A medium-sized evergreen shrub (3m to 5m) that is densely branched and multi-stemmed. Trunk is is brown/grey, while branches are green/grey with small white bumps (lenticles) on small branches. Oval shaped, dull green leaves (2-5cm long, 1.5cm to 2.5cm wide) are arranged in opposite pairs at right angles to the stem.

Flowering generally occurs in spring but can happen all year round. Flowers are very small (3.5mm), white with mauve anthers, growing in drooping, fragrant clusters. These develop into small, round, green berries that mature to a dull purple/black. Berries usually mature in autumn/winter but can be produced all year round.

How does it spread?
It is spread by seed and suckers. Birds and animals eat and spread seed and it can also easily be spread in garden clippings or floral arrangements.

Why is it an issue?
Many people have privet hedges that produce millions of high viability seeds. They quickly and easily form thick, impenetrable stands that compete with natives for resources. The species tolerates most conditions.

Where is it most likely to occur?
In gardens as hedges and ornamentals. Will readily inhabit bushland, disturbed soils, valleys etc.

How can I control it?
Pull or dig seedlings all year round. Leave on site to rot down.
Stump swab (all year round): glyphosate (250ml/L) or metsulfuron-methyl 600g/kg (5g/L + penetrant).
Bore and fill (all year round): Bore 1 hole per 20 cm of trunk circumference, and saturate with metsulfuron-methyl 600g/kg (mixed to slurry).
Frilling: Make deep cuts into the sapwood at regular intervals around the trunk base (do not ringbark it), and saturate cuts with metsulfuron-methyl 600g/kg (5g/10L + penetrant). Injection method: Drill sloping holes into sapwood at regular intervals around the tree and fill holes with metsulfuron-methyl 600g/kg (5g/10L + penetrant) or a product containing 100g picloram+300g triclopyr/L (undiluted).
Spray (spring-autumn): metsulfuron-methyl 600g/kg (5g/10L+ penetrant).