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Summary
Bloom Color: White. Main Bloom Time: Early summer, Early spring, Late summer, Late spring, Mid summer, Mid spring. Form: Rounded, Spreading or horizontal, Vase.
Physical Characteristics
Ligustrum japonicum is an evergreen Shrub growing to 5 m (16ft) by 6 m (19ft) at a medium rate.
See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 7 and is not frost tender. It is in leaf all year, in flower from August to September. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects.
Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and can grow in heavy clay soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.
UK Hardiness Map
US Hardiness Map
Synonyms
Habitats
Woodland Garden Dappled Shade; Shady Edge; Hedge;
Edible Uses
Edible Parts: Leaves Shoots
Edible Uses: Coffee
The roasted seed is a coffee substitute[61, 177]. Young shoots - cooked. A famine food, used when all else fails[179]. The shoots contain a glycoside and are probably toxic[K].
References More on Edible Uses
Medicinal Uses
Plants For A Future can not take any responsibility for any adverse effects from the use of plants. Always seek advice from a professional before using a plant medicinally.
Antibacterial Hypotensive Tonic
The fruit is said to be a nutrient tonic[218]. Extracts of the plant show antibacterial, antiulcer and hypotensive activity[218].
References More on Medicinal Uses
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Other Uses
Hedge Hedge Wax
A commercial insect wax is produced on the branches as a result of eggs being laid by insects[11]. Another report says that the wax is produced by the plant due to the stimulation of the feeding insects[61, 149]. Yet another report says that the wax is produced by the insects[178]. It is used for candles and as a polish for earthenware pots, book edges etc[178]. The plant can be used as a hedge[11]. It is very amenable to trimming.
Special Uses
Hedge Hedge
References More on Other Uses
Cultivation details
Landscape Uses:Border, Container, Pest tolerant, Rock garden, Screen, Standard, Seashore, Specimen. A very tolerant and easily grown plant, it succeeds in any soil that is not impoverished or water-logged[11, 182]. Grows well in heavy clay soils. Succeeds in sun or semi-shade[188]. Closely related to L. lucidum[11, 200]. There are many named varieties selected for their ornamental value[200]. This species is notably resistant to honey fungus[200]. Special Features:Attractive foliage, Not North American native, Naturalizing, Attractive flowers or blooms.
References Carbon Farming Information and Carbon Sequestration Information
Temperature Converter
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Propagation
The seed does not require any pre-treatment and can be sown in the spring in a cold frame[113]. 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, July/August in a frame. Very easy[78]. Cuttings of mature wood, 20 - 30cm in a sheltered outdoor bed in November/December. High percentage[78].
Other Names
If available other names are mentioned here
Found In
Countries where the plant has been found are listed here if the information is available
Weed Potential
Right plant wrong place. We are currently updating this section.
Please note that a plant may be invasive in one area but may not in your area so it’s worth checking.
Conservation Status
IUCN Red List of Threatened Plants Status :
Growth: S = slow M = medium F = fast. Soil: L = light (sandy) M = medium H = heavy (clay). pH: A = acid N = neutral B = basic (alkaline). Shade: F = full shade S = semi-shade N = no shade. Moisture: D = dry M = Moist We = wet Wa = water.
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Author
Thunb.
Botanical References
1158200
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