European privet is an invasive plant. An invasive plant is a plant species that is non-native to the location being considered and whose presence and spread negatively impacts (or is likely to impact) ecological, economic, or human health.
This plant spreads by seed and suckers. European privet is native to Europe and Asia, but has been planted as a landscape shrub for decades. It is still sold in some locations. It now commonly grows in woodlands, riparian areas, and disturbed sites and is found scattered throughout the Midwestern, mid-Atlantic and New England states. Birds and animals eat the fruit and disperse the seeds. Seedlings can develop into thickets through suckering and these thickets may compete with native plants and reduce plant diversity. Data collected at The Morton Arboretum show that this shrub is invasive on the Arboretum grounds.
There are a number of native and non-native species that could be used in place of European privet. More desirable species may be found using the Search Trees and Plants page of the Arboretum website. Before purchasing or planting, be sure to check for any local or state guidelines on these species, and make sure that the plant is suitable for its habitat by checking its attributes at mortonarb.org or plants.usda.gov.
- Family (English) Olive
- Family (botanic) Oleaceae
- Tree or plant type Shrub
- Foliage Deciduous (seasonally loses leaves)
- Native locale Non-native
- Size range Large shrub (more than 8 feet)
- Light exposure Full sun (6 hrs direct light daily), Partial sun / shade (4-6 hrs light daily), Full shade (4 hrs or less of light daily)
- Hardiness zones Zone 4, Zone 5 (Northern Illinois), Zone 6 (City of Chicago), Zone 7
- Soil preference Moist, well-drained soil
- Tolerances Alkaline soil, Dry sites, Occasional drought, Occasional flooding
- Season of interest mid spring
- Flower color and fragrance Fragrant, White
- Shape or form Irregular, Multi-stemmed
- Growth rate Fast
