Ligustrum ovalifolium

Ovalifolium Privet

Ligustrum ovalifolium (California Privet) is a fast-growing, dense shrub with an upright to rounded habit, featuring oval, bright green foliage that creates a thick, uniform hedge. In late spring to early summer, it produces clusters of small white flowers followed by black berries. This species is widely used for hedging due to its vigor, adaptability, and tolerance of heavy pruning.

Type: Shrub (Deciduous to Semi-evergreen)
Mature Size: 8–12' W × 10–15' H
USDA Zones: 5a–8b
Form: Upright to rounded, dense

Light: Full sun to part shade
Soil / Water: Adaptable to a wide range of well-drained soils; moderate water, tolerates drought once established
Bloom Time / Length: Late spring to early summer; short (2–3 weeks)

Wildlife: Birds (fruit), bees

Features & Landscape Uses:
Excellent for hedges, screens, and windbreaks. Extremely tolerant of pruning and shaping, making it ideal for formal hedges. Adaptable to urban conditions and various soil types.

Care:
Prune regularly to maintain desired shape and density. Tolerates heavy shearing and rejuvenation pruning if needed. Monitor for spread in some regions, as it can self-seed.

Plant type

Deciduous Shrub

Height

10-15'

Width

10-15'

Hardiness zones

5–8

Sunlight

Full Sun, Partial Shade

Growth rate

Fast

Bloom time

Early Summer, Late Spring

Flower color

White

Leaf color

Dark Spring Green

Attracts

Bees, Birds

Soil

Highly Adaptable, Well Drained

Landscape use

Foundation Plant, Hedge, Privacy Screen

Shape

Dense, Rounded, Upright

Bark

Smooth

Fruit

Yes

Fragrant

Yes

Deer resistant

Yes

Drought tolerant

Yes