Oval-leaved privet

Oval-leaved privet originates from Japan, but in Europe the species is often planted in hedges. In Flanders, it is found mainly in the coastal dunes. Although in many cases these are plants that grow from dumped garden waste, there are places where the species germinates from seed. The species retains its leaves longer in winter and is therefore more commonly planted than wild privet. The leaves of the oval-leaved privet are also larger than those of the wild privet. Both privet species have white flower clusters from which black berries develop. The wild privet is a shrub that occurs naturally in our dunes.