European Privet Hedge
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Ligustrum vulgare (GoBotany, 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.
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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).
Removal
Smaller plants can be pulled. Make sure to get as much of the root as possible to avoid re-sprouting.
Repeated cutting may kill larger plants. Wikipedia has a separate page dedicated to "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 (Ligustrum obtusifolium, Wikipedia) has hairy branchlets, unlike European Privet.
- Chinese Privet (Ligustrum sinense, Wikipedia) has hairy leaves and branches, unlike European Privet.
- California Privet (Ligustrum ovalifolium, Wikipedia) has larger, glossier leaves.