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 (opens in new tab) (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.
Japanese Privet is listed as toxic to grazing livestock (cattle, sheep, and goats) at a slight level by the USDA PLANTS Database (opens in new tab). This is a livestock indicator and is separate from pet toxicity.
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.
Common questions
- How much sun does Japanese Privet need?
- Japanese Privet grows best in full sun conditions.
- When does Japanese Privet bloom?
- Japanese Privet blooms in May and June.
- Where is Japanese Privet native?
- Japanese Privet (Ligustrum japonicum) is native to MS, per the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists.
- Is Japanese Privet toxic to dogs?
- Yes. Japanese 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 Japanese Privet toxic to cats?
- Yes. Japanese 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 Japanese Privet toxic to livestock?
- Japanese Privet is listed as toxic to grazing livestock such as cattle, sheep, and goats (slight severity) by the USDA PLANTS Database. This is separate from pet (dog and cat) toxicity.
- What pollinators does Japanese Privet attract?
- Japanese Privet draws bees and butterflies.
- Is Japanese Privet HOA-friendly?
- Japanese Privet is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with moderate maintenance.
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.
Not sure where to start? Take the 2-minute yard quiz