There has been confusion over the correct application of the taxon Ligustrum ibota. The name was first published (but invalidly) in 1830 by Siebold (see Ligustrum ibota Siebold, Verh. Batav. Genootsch. Kunst. 12: 36 (1830), nom. inval.). The name was later validated in 1846 by Sieblod for a species found native only in Japan (see Ligustrum ibota Siebold, Abh. Math.-Phys. Cl. Königl. Bayer. Akad. Wiss. 4(3): 167 (1846). This remains an accepted species. In 1851 Blume applied Siebold's name to a species found in China, Japan and Korea (see Ligustrum ibota Siebold ex Blume, Mus. Bot. 1: 312 (1851). This latter name is now treated as a synonym of Ligustrum obtusifolium[].

Common Name:

General Information

Ligustrum obtusifolium is a many-branched deciduous to semi-evergreen shrub that can grow from 2.5 - 6 metres tall. The plant often forms dense thickets[, ].
The plant is harvested from the wild for local use as a food and source of materials. Often grown as an ornamental, it makes an excellent hedge.
Ligustrum obtusifolium has been introduced widely as a garden plant into the USA, where it has escaped from cultivation and become established in stream valleys, old fields, forest gaps and disturbed urban and suburban forest remnants. The plant forms dense thickets which can be difficult to control and may alter habitats and outcompete native plant species. It is listed as invasive in several states in the USA including Indiana, Connecticut, New Hampshire and Massachusetts[].

Known Hazards

All parts of the plant are toxic to humans, causing nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea and abdominal pain. The plant is also toxic towards a number of mammalian herbivores including horses[].

Botanical References

, ,

Range

E. Asia - eastern China, Japan, Korea.

Habitat

Thin woods and thickets in lowland and hills all over Japan[]. Hills, gullies and woods; at elevations from 100 - 600 metres in China[]. Woodland and forest edges, roadways, old fields and disturbed areas in moist to dry-mesic conditions[].

Properties

Weed Potential	Yes
Edibility Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Semi-deciduous Shrub
Height	3.00 m
Pollinators	Bees, Butterflies
Cultivation Status	Ornamental, Wild

Cultivation Details

Ligustrum obtusifolium is a very cold-tolerant plant, when fully dormant it can withstand temperatures down to about -30°c or lower,
Prefers a position in full sun or light shade[]. A very tolerant and easily grown plant, it succeeds in any soil that is not impoverished or water-logged[, ]. Grows well in heavy clay soils.
A very ornamental plant[]. The flowers are fragrant, but are considered by many to have an unpleasant aroma[].
A polymorphic species[].
Prefers hotter summers than are normally experienced in Britain[].
This species is closely related to Ligustrum ovalifolium[].
This species is notably susceptible to honey fungus[].

Edible Uses

The roasted seed is a coffee substitute[, ].

Leaves are a tea substitute[].

Medicinal

None known

Agroforestry Uses:

The plant responds well to trimming and can be used to make an excellent hedge or screen[].
The sub-species Ligustrum obtusifolium regelianum and its cultivar 'Dart's Perfection' have a dense habit with horizontally spreading branches, , They make a good carpeting ground cover in situations such as under trees, growing about 1.2 metres tall. They should be spaced about 2.5 metres apart each way[, ].

Other Uses

A commercial insect wax is produced on the branches as a result of eggs being laid by insects[]. Another report says that the wax is produced by the plant due to the stimulation of the feeding insects[]. Yet another report says that the wax is produced by the insects[]. It is used for candles and as a polish for earthenware pots, book edges etc[].

Propagation

The seed does not require any pre-treatment and can be sown in the spring in a cold frame[]. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse for at least their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts.
Cuttings of half-ripe wood, 5 - 10cm with a heel, mid summer in a frame. Very easy[].
Cuttings of mature wood, 20 - 30cm in a sheltered outdoor bed in late autumn. High percentage[].