How much sun does Common Privet need?

Common Privet grows best in part sun conditions.

When does Common Privet bloom?

Common Privet blooms in June and July.

Is Common Privet toxic to dogs?

Yes. Common Privet is listed as toxic to dogs by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (aspca.org). If your pet has been exposed, call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435.

Is Common Privet toxic to cats?

Yes. Common Privet is listed as toxic to cats by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (aspca.org). If your cat has been exposed, call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435.

Is Common Privet toxic to livestock?

The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Common Privet as toxic to livestock.

What pollinators does Common Privet attract?

Common Privet draws bees and beetles.

Is Common Privet HOA-friendly?

Common Privet takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Common Privet

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Ligustrum vulgare

Last reviewed: September 2026

Common Privet is toxic to dogs and cats.

Listed as toxic by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) (last reviewed 2026-08-15). If your pet has been exposed, call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435and your veterinarian's emergency line.

Pollinator Patch flags toxic plants so you can choose a pet-safe native alternative for your yard.

The USDA PLANTS Database (opens in new tab) does not flag Common Privet as toxic to livestock.

Light

part sun

Water

medium

Size

60"–120" H × 48"–96" W

Bloom

Jun, Jul

Pollinators

bees, beetles

Native alternatives to Common Privet

Common Privet is not native to the United States. These natives fill a similar role in a planting, matched on bloom season, bloom color and mature size.

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Common privet is a dense, fast-growing shrub that forms thick hedges and screens. It produces clusters of small white flowers in summer followed by dark berries. This adaptable plant tolerates various growing conditions and responds well to pruning.

In an HOA neighborhood

Common 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.

Spreads aggressively and crowds out native plants
May be prohibited by environmental regulations

Wildlife value

The summer flowers attract bees and beetles for nectar. Birds may eat the berries, though they are considered mildly toxic to humans and pets.

Common questions

How much sun does Common Privet need?: Common Privet grows best in part sun conditions.
When does Common Privet bloom?: Common Privet blooms in June and July.
Is Common Privet toxic to dogs?: Yes. Common Privet is listed as toxic to dogs by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (aspca.org). If your pet has been exposed, call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435.
Is Common Privet toxic to cats?: Yes. Common Privet is listed as toxic to cats by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (aspca.org). If your cat has been exposed, call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435.
Is Common Privet toxic to livestock?: The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Common Privet as toxic to livestock.
What pollinators does Common Privet attract?: Common Privet draws bees and beetles.
Is Common Privet HOA-friendly?: Common Privet takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

If something looks wrong

Common plant problems, and what to check first

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