Common Chinese Privet
EN

Common Chinese Privet

Ligustrum sinense

Unknown

Photo: Wikimedia Commons (CC) via https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ligustrum_sinense

Overview

Ligustrum sinense is a species of flowering plant in the family Oleaceae. This privet is native to China, Taiwan and Vietnam, and invasive in Réunion, the Andaman Islands, Norfolk Island, Costa Rica, Honduras, Panama and much of the eastern and southern United States. The name "Chinese privet" may also refer to Ligustrum lucidum.

Native populations face severe pressure from habitat destruction due to rapid urbanization and agricultural expansion throughout China. Climate change is altering precipitation patterns in its native range, while overcollection for traditional medicine and ornamental trade has further depleted wild populations.

Threat summary

Habitat

This species naturally occurs in mixed deciduous forests, woodland edges, and scrubland areas across central and southern China. It thrives in partially shaded environments with well-drained soils along hillsides and valley margins at elevations up to 2,500 meters.

TERRESTRIAL· majorTERRESTRIAL· majorTERRESTRIAL· major

Other threatened species in Oleaceae

CR

Chionanthus tenuis

Unknown
EN

palo de hueso

Haenianthus salicifolius

Unknown
Hawai'i oliveVU

Hawai'i olive

Nestegis sandwicensis

Unknown
AshVU

Ash

Fraxinus excelsior

Unknown

Frequently asked questions

Why is Common Chinese Privet classified as Endangered?
Common Chinese Privet is classified as Endangered — facing a very high risk of extinction in the wild — because population numbers are declining steeply and key habitats are under sustained pressure. Native populations face severe pressure from habitat destruction due to rapid urbanization and agricultural expansion throughout China. Climate change is altering precipitation patterns in its native range, while overcollection for traditional medicine and ornamental trade has further depleted wild populations.
Where does Common Chinese Privet live?
Common Chinese Privet occurs in across multiple regions. Country-level distribution data is sourced from the IUCN Red List and cross-referenced with GBIF occurrences.
What are the main threats to Common Chinese Privet?
The main threats to Common Chinese Privet are ai-1, ai-2, and ai-3. The full IUCN-classified threat record for this species is detailed on the species page.

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