Ligustrum lucidum     

Tree Ligustrum

Family:  Oleaceae
Zone:  7-10                             Average Size:  20’H x 15’W

Identification: 

-Opposite arrangement of leaf and stems
-Simple leaf, ovate tapering to the apex, dull to glossy green with a distinct white-yellow margin, evergreen
-Panicles of white flowers in early summer,
-Large clusters of blue-black berries in winter

Note:   Rarely seen in the nursery industry, but several mature specimens have been planted on the LSU campus.  Unfortunately the seeds from these specimens have spread far and wide making the Tree Ligustrum more invasive than desirable.  Waxleaf Ligustrum (Ligustrum japonicum) is more commonly used as a small evergreen tree.

Campus Location: Knapp Hall, south parking lot