Ligustrum sinense Chinese Privet

A species of privet native throughout much of Asia including regions in China, Taiwan and Vietnam where the seeds are harvested for use in soap making. Plants are very similar to other privet species in general appearance and landscape utility. The opposite, thumb-sized leaves are held on the thin, wiry stems and are rich green in color. Masses of fragrant, creamy white flowers are born in spring and mature to crops of rounded blue-black fruit. Plants are easy to cultivate, showing tolerance to a range of soil and light conditions.