Ligustrum
Description: This small-sized tree typically reaches up to 30 feet in height. It exhibits a growth habit with horizontal to ascending branches, which often sprout from the roots. This natural propagation ability can lead to the formation of dense thickets, making it an ideal species for naturalized or wildlife-friendly landscapes.
Twig/Bark: The bark of the tree is smooth, ranging in color from gray to greenish-gray, offering an attractive, subtle texture to the trunk. Young twigs are slender and covered with dense pubescence (fine hairs), giving them a soft texture. As the tree matures, the twigs lose their hairiness and become smoother over time.
Leaves: The tree’s evergreen leaves are elliptic to ovate in shape. The upper surface is dark green, somewhat shiny, and leathery, providing a year-round glossy appearance. The lower surface is lighter green, creating a subtle contrast. These tough, evergreen leaves contribute to the tree’s ability to thrive in various environments, remaining resilient throughout changing seasons.
Flower/Fruit: In the spring, the tree produces small, fragrant flowers. Each flower consists of a green calyx and a 4-lobed, white corolla that is bell-shaped, adding to the tree’s ornamental appeal. By fall, the tree bears fruit in the form of ovoid drupes, which mature to a bluish-black color. These fruits attract various birds and wildlife, making the tree beneficial for biodiversity.
Habitat: This versatile species thrives in a wide range of habitats, from dry-mesic to mesic upland forests and woodlands to bottomland and riparian forests. It is often found in glades, bluffs, old fields, and roadsides, as well as pastures and fencerows. Its adaptability to different soil types and environments makes it a valuable tree for both natural landscapes and managed areas.