Chinese privet

• Large shrub up to 4m tall.
• Leaves are deep green, oval shaped, up to 5cm long, with fine hairs.
• Young branches are also covered in fine hairs.
• Flowers are small, scented, in dense, cream sprays up to 10cm long.
• Berries are green when young, ripening to dark-blue to black.

• Prefers moist, temperate areas of South East Queensland.

• Found along entire Queensland coastline.

• Flowers appear late in winter to spring.

Environmental

• Poses significant shading threat to native plants in moist, temperate areas of South East Queensland.
• Affects habitat of native animals.
• Hinders animal movement through bushland.

Social

• Flowers can cause severe allergic reactions in humans.

• Berries spread by birds.

• Find out how farmers can prevent weed spread.
• Find out how gardeners and outdoor enthusiasts can prevent weed spread.

Physical control

• Hand-pull small plants.
• Do not break tap root or plant will regrow.

Herbicide control

• Treat larger plants with herbicides.

Read the Small leaf or Chinese privet fact sheet (PDF, 3.2MB) for herbicide control and application rates.

Biological control

• No known biological control agents.

• Chinese privet is a category 3 restricted invasive plant under the Biosecurity Act 2014.
• You must not give away, sell, or release into the environment. Penalties may apply.
• You must take all reasonable and practical measures to minimise the biosecurity risks associated with dealing with Chinese privet under your control. This is called a general biosecurity obligation (GBO).
• At a local level, each local council must have a biosecurity plan that covers invasive plants and animals in its area. This plan may include actions to be taken on Chinese privet. Some of these actions may be required under local laws. Contact your local council for more information.