Japanese Privet
Ligustrum japonicum
Last reviewed: June 2026
Japanese Privet is toxic to dogs and cats.
Listed as toxic by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (last reviewed 2026-05-21). 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.
Light
full sun
Water
medium
Size
120"–240" H × 120"–240" W
Bloom
May, Jun
Native to
MS
Pollinators
bees, butterflies
Browse plants for this ecoregion
Japanese privet is a dense, evergreen shrub that grows quite large, reaching 10-20 feet in both height and width. It produces clusters of small white flowers in late spring and early summer, followed by dark berries. This fast-growing plant is commonly used for hedging and screening due to its thick foliage.
In an HOA neighborhood
Japanese Privet is an HOA-friendly choice. Maintenance level: moderate. Tidiness: 4 out of 5.
Works well in: front yard, foundation, street edge, mid zone.
- Requires regular pruning to maintain size
- Can become overly large if not managed
Wildlife value
The white flower clusters attract bees and butterflies during blooming season. Birds often feed on the small dark berries produced after flowering.
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.
Pollinator Patch flags toxic plants like Japanese Privet and shows pet-safe natives for your ecoregion instead.