Common or Wild Privet is a fast-growing, bushy shrub (deciduous or semi-evergreen) with lance-shaped dark green leaves about 2.5 inches long. It produces panicles of small, fragrant white flowers, followed by black berries that ripen in October. Typically grown as a large, narrow to vase-shaped shrub and commonly used for deciduous hedging.

Privet is a fast-growing shrub that tolerates a wide range of conditions. Vigorous and rebounding quickly after heavy pruning, it is frequently used as hedging. Its fruit is toxic if ingested, and the sap may cause skin irritation.