The Evergreen Hedge Eating Texas From the Inside Out

Chinese, Glossy, and Japanese Privet (Ligustrum) are planted as evergreen hedges all over Texas. Left unchecked, they spread into natural areas and outcompete native vegetation, sometimes becoming the only understory. Yaupon Holly gives you the same dense, evergreen hedge with red berries that birds actually evolved to eat, and it is one of the most drought-tolerant natives in the state.

Why Ligustrum is invasive

Privet species produce abundant seed that birds spread. In woodlands and along creeks, they can form dense thickets and shade out native shrubs and wildflowers. Once established, they are hard to remove. In a yard they might stay put if you prune them, but the same plants are invading natural areas across Texas.

Grow Yaupon Holly instead

Yaupon Holly (Ilex vomitoria) is a Texas native that can be pruned into a neat hedge or left more natural. It is evergreen, drought-tolerant, and produces red berries that native birds use. It fits the same screening and border role as Privet without the invasive behavior. For more on native shrubs, see native shrubs vs ornamental Texas.

For design cues that signal care, see our cues of care guide. Check rebates in your city for water-wise landscaping.