Chinese privet

Ligustrum sinense

Pet & Human Safety

People: Toxic to people (low severity)Pets: Toxic to pets

Hazardous parts

fruits, leaves

Preparation

n/a

Hazard type

glycosides (syringin/ligustrin), shikimic acid

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

Pet verdict: toxic. No ASPCA species page for Ligustrum sinense. NC State rates its poison severity low for people (fruits and leaves). Do not treat as pet-safe.

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.

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Care

Hardiness zones: USDA 6a-9b per NC State Plant Toolbox; hardy to USDA zone (6)7 per Oregon State
Light: Prefers full sun but tolerates partial shade (NC State).
Water needs: The level is a plain-language reading of the source wording cited. Always finger-test two inches down.
Mature size: US: NC State: 6.5-15 ft tall and 10-15 ft wide; Oregon State: 10-20 ft (3-6 m) tall; UK: Trees and Shrubs Online: 12 to 20 ft high, occasionally a small tree

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.

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