Chinese Privet

Description:

Clusters of four petaled white blossoms in April/May that turn into matte purple berries in the fall. Leaves are smaller and oval running parallel along the branches. Privet is a pervasive and non-native plant that will grow rapidly and crowd out native species if not controlled. Introduced into landscaping in the 1850's it has become a common site on roadways, in gardens and as a hedge plant. Though it does provide food for pollinators, it is still regarded as a pest plant that should be removed before it drops it's berries in the fall

Habitat:

West central GA, found throughout the US and Asia