[3] Ligustrum ovalifolium is a dense, fast-growing, deciduous (evergreen/semi-evergreen in warm winter areas) shrub or small tree.

[citation needed] The fruits, borne in clusters, are small purple to black drupes, poisonous for humans but readily eaten by many birds.

[6] The species is widely cultivated as an ornamental plant in many countries, as a shrub, and grouped for an informal or formal hedge.

[4][3] Privets need to be trimmed several times during a growing season, in order to maintain a formal hedge shape.

[7][8] Several cultivars are used in gardens and for hedging, including Ligustrum ovalifolium 'Aureum', the golden privet, with oval, rich yellow leaves with green centers.

Its year-round yellow leaves and white flowers in midsummer make it an attractive hedging plant or ornamental shrub.