Common Privet
Ligustrum vulgare · Oleaceae
How it looks
Common Privet (Ligustrum vulgare) is an evergreen-to-semi-evergreen shrub with small, glossy oval leaves set opposite one another. In early summer small white flowers bloom in clusters at the branch tips and are strongly fragrant. In autumn round black fruit hangs in clusters. Height 3-13 ft (1-4 m); common in hedges.
Caution — monitor for GI symptoms
All parts of Common Privet (especially the fruit) contain irritating compounds that can cause vomiting and diarrhea if chewed. Most cats recover on their own, but as a caution-level plant it still calls for monitoring.
Guide for parents
An occasional nibble of Common Privet usually doesn't lead to anything serious, but the ligustrin in it can irritate the stomach and mucous membranes and cause mild gastrointestinal symptoms. Make a habit of clearing away fallen leaves or broken stems the same day, and keep the pot somewhere your cat can't reach. If symptoms last more than 12 hours or your cat's appetite clearly drops, consult your vet.
If ingested
Contact your nearest vet immediately
- Onset
- 1–4 hours after ingestion
- Symptoms
- Vomiting, diarrhea, weakness
- Action
- Consult a vet and monitor. Go in immediately if symptoms worsen.
Details
- Scientific name
- Ligustrum vulgare
- Common name
- Common Privet
- Family
- Oleaceae
- Toxic parts
- All parts (especially the fruit)
- Compounds
- Ligustrin
- Onset
- 1–4 hours after ingestion
- Symptoms
- Vomiting, diarrhea, weakness
- Action
- Consult a vet and monitor. Go in immediately if symptoms worsen.
- Source
- ASPCA
Related plants
Same plant family· Oleaceae
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