Scientific Name
Ligustrum japonicum, L. sinense, L. lucidum, L. vulgare
Common Name
Ligustrum, Privet

HIGHLY TOXIC, MAY BE FATAL IF EATEN!

Characteristics

Family
Oleaceae
Plant Description
Evergreen or deciduous shrubs; leaves simple, opposite, with smooth margins; flowers small, white, 4-parted, tubular, in terminal clusters; fruit a semi-fleshy, black berry.
Origin
Eurasia.
Distribution
Throughout.
Where Found
Weedy in disturbed areas around buildings; escaped and naturalized in moist areas; landscape as evergreen ornamental shrub.
Mode
Ingestion.
Poisonous Part
Leaves and Berries.
Symptoms
Abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, headache, weakness, low blood pressure, cold and clammy skin possibly lasting 48 to 72 hours.
Toxic Principle
Glycosides: syringin (ligustrin), a glycoside; shikimic acid (lowest toxic dose 4,000mg); and others.
Severity
Treat with caution

"Poisonous Plants of North Carolina," Dr. Alice B. Russell, Department of Horticultural Science; Dr. James W. Hardin, Botany; Dr. Larry Grand, Plant Pathology; and Dr. Angela Fraser, Family and Consumer Sciences; North Carolina State University. All Pictures Copyright @1997Alice B. Russell, James W. Hardin, Larry Grand. Computer programming, Miguel A. Buendia; graphics, Brad Capel.

Disclaimer: The list of poisonous plants on this web site does not necessarily include every poisonous plant that is known, or that might be found in an urban landscape or home. North Carolina State University does not advise eating any of the plants included in this web site. The information concerning edibility is taken from the literature, and the degree of reliability is unknown. We discourage the use of any of these plants for self medication. In cases of accidental exposure or ingestion, contact the Poison Control Center 1-800-222-1222.

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