The Chinese privet is considered a shrub/small tree that can grow up to 13 feet tall. It is considered an invasive species in North Carolina and the southeast US, and shows signs of being problematic. It will flower in the late spring and produce an offensive odor. It can produce toxic berries in an impenetrable thicket formation. It grows extremely fast and has naturalized in most moist areas, but is used as an ornamental shrub in evergreen landscaping.
It has been reportedly used to treat impaired vision, dizziness, fever and insomnia, but is also used in China as a tonic to treat premature aging, tinnitus, or ringing in the ears.
Did You Know:
The Chinese privet is an extremely tolerant plant including drought tolerant, alkaline tolerant, pollution tolerant, shade tolerant and even tolerant of poor soils.