Over the years a number of invasive plants have made their way into Tennessee. Privet (Ligustrum sinensis) a common one. Originally privet is native to Asia but has run rampant in the Southern United States.
About Privet
Privet has several characteristics that actually might make it desirable. It’s evergreen and can provide a great privacy screen. Privet is tolerant of all kinds of soil types and drought. The flowers also produce a nice fragrance when in bloom.
Unfortunately those positive traits also can be negative when combined with its invasive nature. Privet reproduces prolifically. The fragrant flowers produce tons of berries which the birds spread all over. Those berries and grow new plants which hastens it’s spread significantly.
Why Invasive Plants are Bad News
The problem with plants like privet, Bradford pear, Tree of Heaven, or similar invasive trees is that they crowd out the area for native plants to grow. Native plants develop within the ecosystem over a long period of time. Animals, birds, and insects use the native plants for their food sources, shelters, and development too. As the native trees and shrubs are displaced by the invasive types there are fewer resources for native animals and insects to use.
Removing Privet
Once privet takes hold it’s hard to defeat. Goats enjoy eating it, you can use herbicides, or you can cut it down and keep it maintained. If you clear cut privet you may need to treat the stumps with a strong herbicide to prevent regrowth.
If you have privet remove as much of it as possible before it displaces plants that are more valuable for our native wildlife. I don’t believe privet will ever be eliminated but if you have the ability to remove it when possible please do.
Or view this video on Chinese Privet on YouTube
A Review of My Fiskars Rain Barrel
This summer I finally went out and bought my own rain barrel to install on our house. I’ve been looking for a long time for food grade barrels to make my own but they seem to be increasingly hard to find as the idea of…
Easy to grow, Low Maintenance Plants for the Garden
Over Christmas we traveled a little. Not much, we never go very far. We just visited with family. One evening a family member asked me if I knew of some attractive, easy to grow, low maintenance plants she could put in the front of her…
Tips for Growing Cilantro
Cilantro is a delicious herb capable of adding so much flavor and character to your foods. While some people don’t enjoy it we love it in our cooking and always try to have some cilantro growing in the home garden. Growing beautiful cilantro plants isn’t…
The Imploring Hands of an Oakleaf Hydrangea
Newly formed Oak Leaf Hydrangea leaves stretch skyward as if they were hands imploring the coming cold temperatures to be gentle.
Salvia farinacea (‘Blue Bedder’) Mealy Cup Sage How to Grow and Propagate
I’ve said repeatedly that I’m a fan of salvias. It’s no wonder since they bloom prolifically, are easy to care for, and attract pollinators right and left. One salvia in my garden (among many) that I’ve accumulated is the ‘Blue Bedder’ Salvia farinacea which is…
5 Activities Children Can Do In The Vegetable Garden
Kids in the garden are funny creatures. Although your kids may be too young to do many of the garden chores that need done it’s important to get them out there not only to learn but to get fresh air. Gardening is an invaluable educational…
Discover more from Growing The Home Garden
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.