Common privet

Appearance: a large, broad shrub 2–5 m in height and width, asymmetrical, medium- or slow-growing.

Flowers: small, white racemose clusters with a strong scent, June–July.

Fruits: black glossy berries, pea-sized, poisonous.

Leaves: deciduous or semi-evergreen, oval, pointed, dark green, in autumn – yellowish-green.

Root system: superficial, wide, dense, tolerates planting in the trunk circle.

Requirements: sun/partial shade, relatively hardy, undemanding.

Soils: any except very acidic peat substrates.

Zone: 5a