skip to main content

Help me identify this shrub with dark blue winter berries?

16 years ago

This shrub is everywhere around here in the moist, low, floodplain areas. It's a graceful looking fan-shaped shrub, light gray wood, with dusky dark-blue berries of an oval shape that cling pretty well all winter long.

You OFTEN see this shrub all cozy-like with wild rose bushes, and not uncommonly, you'll find bittersweet climbing all over it. I wish I knew what it was, given how successful it is around here. Any ideas? Sorry for the very bad close-up of the berries. :)

{{gwi:1053095}}
mystery shrub with dark blue berries

{{gwi:1053096}}
blurry berries

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (5)

Iris GW
16 years ago
It could be Ligustrum (perhaps L. vulgare) which is an invasive plant that can form dense thickets and out compete native vegetation.
sam_md
16 years ago
"... given how successful it is around here". Invasive species are indeed successful because they are so adaptable and can outcompete natives. You have a bad infestation of European Privet. Not too far from me is a beautiful forrested watershed, the dominent understory is European Privet, choking out everything else.
Now for your roses and bittersweet, are you sure they are not Asian weeds?
Sam
Related Discussions
Need Help Identifying Blue Prince Holly
Q
Comments (2)
Found my own answer. And also realized to NEVER trust a tag on these ANYWHERE. http://landscaping.about.com/od/helpforbeginners/f/holly_flowers.htm Both male hollies and female hollies bear flowers that have 4 petals -- so that's no help in identifying them. However, take a closer look at the flowers, specifically, at what protrudes from their centers. Male holly flowers have 4 yellow stamens; each female holly flower has a green ovary (that's the green 'bump'). Here is a link that might be useful: Male Holly
...See More
Need help identifying evergreen shrub
Q
Comments (6)
Next question: Why, oh why, would anyone plant a hedge that grows to 18 feet tall by 30 feet wide right next to a house??? Am I better off pulling it out or will aggressive pruning keep it in shape? I don't know anything about this particular plant, but I am also puzzled by the plants people use close to the house. One place I lived had a star magnolia that was beautiful but completely blocked both dining room windows, forsythias right up against the house, and a pyracantha in front of the cleanout door on the chimney. Beats me....
...See More
Identify Tree w/ Blue berries & red leaves
Q
Comments (6)
Here are more photos, sorry, I know that they are large but they might make it easier to identify if anyone might know what it is. Here is a link that might be useful: More Mystery Tree Photos
...See More
Help identify Tree/Shrub possibly native to Manitoba, Canada?
Q
Comments (6)
Below is a link to one nursery in Quebec that lists it. Monrovia is a supplier of that cultivar here in the US. They may have a list of sources for you. http://www.monrovia.com/find-a-garden-center/ type in your location ( city, Canada ) to find the closest source near you ( hopefully) Here is a link that might be useful: Lemay nursery This post was edited by carol23 on Fri, Nov 8, 13 at 16:54
...See More
User
Original Author
16 years ago
Thank you so much! No one I have talked to locally was sure what this was ... now I know why!

I guess it has to go head-to-head with the japanese knotweed ... the knotweed seems to be winning.
bob64
16 years ago
Looks like a non-native privet sorry to say. Throw the berries in the garbage.
ladyslppr
16 years ago
I think we're all in agreement. European Privet and Ligustrum vulgare are the same plant. This is a widespread, non-native, invasive plant that takes over the understory of woodlands, outcompeting native shrubs and seriously reducing the number of woodland wildflowers as well.

Related Stories

GARDENING FOR BIRDS Feed the Birds: 6 Plants for Abundant Winter Berries

By Therese Ciesinski

Be kind to your fair feathered friends during lean food times by planting a shrub or tree loaded with nutritious snacks

GARDENING GUIDES 8 Native Shrubs for Year-Round Bird Feeding

By Benjamin Vogt / Monarch Gardens

It’s not just about berries. These plants provide insects for birds and seasonal interest for gardeners

SHRUBS 5 Glorious Late-Season Shrubs

Spilling over with berries or bursting with blooms, these stunning underused shrubs keep the garden party going through fall

CONTAINER GARDENS Patio-Perfect Berry Bushes Like You’ve Never Seen

Small enough for pots but offering abundant fruit, these remarkable bred berries are a boon for gardeners short on space

GARDENING GUIDES These Hedges Can Add Interest to Your Winter Garden

Evergreen trees and shrubs provide structure and color in the winter months — and can attract wildlife too

GARDENING GUIDES 6 Rockin’ Red Plants for Winter Gardens

By Paintbox Garden

Use the bright berries or branches of these cold-climate favorites for outdoor garden interest or container arrangements anywhere

PLANTING IDEAS 5 Reasons to Bring Shrubs Into the Flower Garden

By Benjamin Vogt / Monarch Gardens

Mix up the garden experience and let the flowers and shrubs play together

STANDARD MEASUREMENTS The Right Dimensions for Your Porch

By Steven Corley Randel, Architect

Depth, width, proportion and detailing all contribute to the comfort and functionality of this transitional space

FLOWERS AND PLANTS 10 Essential Shrubs for Mid-Atlantic Gardens

By Curtis Adams

Easy-to-grow mid-Atlantic native shrubs celebrate the character of the region

GARDENING AND LANDSCAPING Be a Citizen Scientist to Help Wildlife, Learn and Have Fun Too

By Benjamin Vogt / Monarch Gardens

Track butterflies, study birds, capture stars ... when you aid monitoring efforts, you’re lending Mother Nature a hand

Sponsored

Dave Fox Design Build Remodelers

49 Reviews

Columbus Area's Luxury Design Build Firm | 17x Best of Houzz Winner!