The full term " privet " apply to a large multifariousness of small shrubby trees that make right hedging , and mostly come from the industrial plant genus Ligustrum . However , many are strong-growing and disperse speedily , and have fallen out of favor for hedge because they call for such maintenance . Some locus even ban the sale or planting of privet , as it can take over great areas of wild landed estate . There are other shrubs that attend like privet , but are less invasive , easier to maintain , and in some cases may even be native to your area .
Dogwoods
grey dogwood and cherry osier dogwood may be good option depending on your part of the state . grayish dogwood is a smooth - leafed shrub that induce very thickety , answer well to pruning , and likes moist and rocky soils . It resembles privet specially in its small white flowers , and prefers temperate climates . cherry-red osier cornel is a more George H.W. Bush - like shrub that has redder stems than privet would , but looks like privet as far as foliage . It is sturdy than grey-haired dogwood and thrives in more northern locales and rich ground . There are also several other type of dogwood that make good substitutes for privet depending on your area .
Berries
Fragrant sumac , highbush blueberry , inkberry , deerberry , strawberry bush , and nannyberry are among the Charles Edward Berry - bearing , non - incursive and pleasant planting alternative to privet . They are nearly related to privets and have similar minuscule leaf , especially highbush blueberry bush . Some of these also have the side benefit of producing tasty berries to eat in the maturate season . However , note that not all of the recommended plants above give edible berries , and remember that berry are likely to attract bird and other wildlife . This may or may not be desire .
Hedge Bushes
There are a huge miscellany of native hedge - same Vannevar Bush , some of which resemble privet more than others . New Jersey tea bush is one that looks a quite a little like privet , but is not as invasive . Others include imitation indigo , Virginia sweetspire , shrubby cinquefoil , maple - foliage viburnum and other viburnums , arrowwood , and pitch-dark haw . For shaded location , try box , a near relative of privet . If you want a specific kind of hedge shrub or bush for strange soils or clime , consult your local plant glasshouse or agrarian wing federal agent for recommendations .
