A very popular landscaping plant and one of the most prevalent invasive plants in the southeastern U.S. This deciduous shrub is native to China, Taiwan and Vietnam. The leaves are small and opposite. The flowers appear in spring and are white, with a four-lobed corolla. Its berries or “drupes” are a dark purple. Privet is a successful invasive species because of its ability to outcompete and therefore displace native vegetation. It is sold commercially including various cultivars but should be avoided.
