View source for European Privet Hedge

'''Ligustrum vulgare''' ([https://gobotany.nativeplanttrust.org/species/ligustrum/vulgare/ GoBotany], [[wikipedia:Ligustrum_vulgare|Wikipedia]], USDA) is a deciduous (semi-evergreen) shrub gorwing up to nine feet tall.  It has small glossy opposite leaves, with smooth leaf edges, and a dark blue berry.
[[File:LigustrumVulgare5.jpg|thumb|240x240px|European Privet]]
[[File:Ligustrum vulgare - Osterreichs allgemeine baumzucht (10421952476) - clean.jpg|left|thumb|248x248px|European Privet]]
It is one of the less common invasive plants in Acton Conservation Lands, but there are several notable infestations (Concord Rd. Playing field, [[Great Hill School St Swamp|Great Hill School St. Swamp]]).

== Removal ==
Smaller plants can be pulled.  Make sure to get as much of the root as possible to avoid re-sprouting.
[[File:Ligustrum vulgare 01.jpg|thumb|240x240px|European Privet]]
Repeated cutting may kill larger plants.  Wikipedia has a separate page dedicated to "[[wikipedia:Privet_as_an_invasive_plant|Privet as an Invasive Plant]]" which details methods of control.

== Common Mis-identifications ==
Any of the other Privets (which are all invasive) may be mis-identified as European Privet:

* '''Border, or Amur Privet''' ([https://gobotany.nativeplanttrust.org/species/ligustrum/obtusifolium/ Ligustrum obtusifolium], [[wikipedia:Ligustrum_obtusifolium|Wikipedia]]) has hairy branchlets, unlike European Privet.
* '''Chinese Privet''' ([https://gobotany.nativeplanttrust.org/species/ligustrum/sinense/ Ligustrum sinense], [[wikipedia:Ligustrum_sinense|Wikipedia]]) has hairy leaves and branches, unlike European Privet.
* '''California Privet''' ([https://gobotany.nativeplanttrust.org/species/ligustrum/ovalifolium/ Ligustrum ovalifolium], [[wikipedia:Ligustrum_ovalifolium|Wikipedia]]) has larger, glossier leaves.