Japanese privet

Ligustrum japonicum Thunb.

Family: Oleaceae

Pet & Human Safety

Toxic to people and pets

Hazardous parts

fruits, leaves

Preparation

none; do not eat

Hazard type

abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, headache, weakness, incoordination, increased heart rate, low blood pressure, cold clammy skin (possibly 48 to 72 hours), death (rare) (NC State)

Hazard route

ingestion

How complete this information is

The safety information on this page is partial. Where a source covers a point, it is shown; where none does, the page says so.

Toxic to pets

Dogs, cats and horses: ASPCA lists this plant as toxic; principal signs are stomach and gut upset, with loss of coordination and a faster heart rate less often, and death rare. NC State agrees (fruits and leaves, severity medium, listed as a problem for dogs, cats and horses). Spain (Diputacion de Cadiz): leaves and fruit toxic if ingested. Keep fruit and clippings away from pets.

PlotAndPetal cannot tell you whether a plant you found can be eaten. Only someone who can see the plant can identify it.

Poison control

If someone has collapsed, cannot be woken, is having a seizure or has trouble breathing, call 911 now. For any other possible poisoning, call Poison Help: 1-800-222-1222.

Emergency number source: U.S. federal law (47 U.S.C. § 251(e)(3)), read 2026-10-07.

Naturalist Lore

Historical Background & Breeding Lore

The history of this plant and its name, and how it was bred, where we have them.

Get the app: coming soon

Care

Hardiness zones: USDA 7a-10b per NC State Plant Toolbox; USDA 7B-10A per UF/IFAS ST352; RHS H5 per RHS
Light: Full sun to part shade
Water needs: moderate
Mature size: US NCState: 6-12 ft tall, 5-6 ft wide (species); US UFIFAS: 8-12 ft tall, spread 15-25 ft on old specimens (species); US Clemson: to about 10 ft tall, 5-6 ft wide (species); UK RHS: 2.5-4 m tall, 2.5-4 m wide (species); ES Cadiz: 8-12.5 m tall as a tree, crown diameter about 2.4 m

Soil & Drainage

Pruning & Flush Rhythm

Feeding Schedule

How to prepare the soil, when and what to feed, and how and when to prune where that applies.

Get the app: coming soon