privet, any plant of the genus Ligustrum, Old World shrubs or small trees of the family Oleaceae (olive family), some of which are common as hedge plants. Privet hedges are popular for their dark green leaves and their ease of cultivation even in adverse city conditions. The various species are evergreen, nearly evergreen, or deciduous, some producing small white flowers in profusion. They are usually propagated by cuttings. The common privet (L. vulgare) has become naturalized in the E United States; the California privet (L. ovalifolium) is a native of Japan. Privet is classified in the division Magnoliophyta, class Magnoliopsida, order Scrophulariales.

Any of about 40–50 species of shrubs and small trees in the genus Ligustrum of the olive family that are widely used for hedges, screens, and ornamental plantings. Native to Europe, Asia, Australia, and the Mediterranean, these evergreen or deciduous plants have usually oval, smooth-edged leaves; creamy-white, often odorous clusters of flowers; and black berries. The hardy common privet (L. vulgare), native to northeastern Europe and Britain and naturalized in northeastern North America, is used widely as a hedge plant. Mock privets belong to the genus Phillyrea (same family) and bear small, bright-red fruits that turn purple-black as they mature.

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