Oleaceae (olive family) Ligustrum

Ligustrum japonicum Japanese privet, waxleaf privet

N. China, Korea, Japan
Ligustrum japonicum ‘Texanum’ at Barnum Center. Sairus Patel, 22 May 2017

Shrub, usually seen as a low hedge to 6 feet tall; opposite, glossy, dark green, simple 2–4 inch long leaves. Shearing often removes buds/flowers. Also used as topiary (e.g., Math Court near Albizia julibrissin). A low growing cultivar ‘Texanum’ is widely planted around bike racks. One of the hardiest and most used woody plants on campus; it is, like India hawthorn, ubiquitous.

Other locations: Lasuen Mall at Green Library and School of Education; between Green and Meyer libraries; Tresidder Union; Humanities Center south side.

Related material: Stanford Grounds Plant Information Sheet. List No.14, p.5.

About this Entry: John Rawlings authored the text.