Illinois Exotic Species:
European privet or common privet Ligustrum vulgare

European privet is a shrub native to Europe that has been extensively planted as a hedge throughout much of the United States. Its leaves are small and arranged opposite each other on the stems. Clusters of small, white flowers are produced at the tips of branches from May to June. The fruit is a small drupe which is eaten and dispersed by birds. Privet readily establishes itself in woodlands where it displaces native vegetation.

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