Privet

Ligustrum species

non-native

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Privet is a category of introduced invasive shrubs used extensively in hedges and property borders. Some of it can be found on the knoll at the top of the hill in the southwest corner of Monticello Park. Privet came from China or Japan and has the ability to outcompete and displace native vegetation because of its adaptability. Various species are now a problem in North America. It is often suggested that the word privet is related to private, but the Oxford English Dictionary says there is no evidence to support this. During World War II, the British government requisitioned all iron gates and railings for the war effort, and many people replaced their gates with privet.

Identification Tools

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