Landscape Alternatives
Similar to Ligustrum vulgare L.
These native plants may be appropriate garden or landscape substitutes for Chinese privet.
Inkberry – Ilex glabra – is an evergreen shrub with shiny leaves and black fruit (on female plants). It could be used a hedge in moist soil. There are cultivars. Attracts bees and birds.
Mountain Laurel – Kalmia latifolia is an evergreen shrub with shiny leaves and showy flowers in spring. It prefers moist, yet well-drained, acidic soil. Attracts bees and butterflies.
Devilwood – Osmanthus americanus is an evergreen, Coastal Plain shrub with shiny leaves, fragrant flowers, and dark blue fruit that persists in winter. Attracts birds and butterflies.
Limerock Arrowwood – Viburnum bracteatum ‘Emerald Luster’ is a small shrub with lustrous leaves, showy flowers, and blue-black fruit. Attracts bees, birds, and butterflies.
Southern Waxmyrtle – Morella (Myrica) cerifera is a large shrub with shiny evergeen leaves, waxy gray fruit, and fragrant flowers. Attracts birds.
Possumhaw Viburnum – Viburnum nudum is a deciduous shrub with shiny leaves, showy flowers, black fruit, and great fall color. Attracts bees, birds, and butterflies.
Carolina Buckthorn – Rhamnus caroliniana is a small tree with black fruit and fall color. Very drought tolerant and shade tolerant. Attracts bees and birds.