Border Privet
Ligustrum obtusifolium
Last reviewed: June 2026
Light
part sun
Water
medium
Size
72"–180" H × 72"–144" W
Bloom
May, Jun
Native to
VA
Pollinators
bees
Browse plants for this ecoregion
Border privet is a fast-growing deciduous shrub that forms dense, rounded masses up to 15 feet tall and wide. It produces clusters of small white flowers in late spring and early summer, followed by dark berries. This hardy shrub tolerates various growing conditions and can be pruned to maintain desired size and shape.
In an HOA neighborhood
Border Privet takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: moderate. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
Works well in: backyard only.
- Non-native invasive species that spreads aggressively
- Can escape cultivation and displace native plants
Wildlife value
The flowers attract bees and other pollinators during its May-June bloom period. Birds feed on the small dark berries that follow the flowers.
Native range data from the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
Does Border Privet fit your yard? Open it in Pollinator Patch to check it against your sun, soil, and HOA-conscious filters.