Help identifying this bush

Discussion in 'Plants: Identification' started by Doug, Mar 6, 2006.

  1. Doug

    Doug Member

    Messages:
    1
    Likes Received:
    0
    Location:
    Richmond, BC
    I am wonder if someone can help me to identify this plant. It is growing in the backyard of my brother's house on Vancouver Island. It is a tall leafy bush with small black fruit.

    They have a young child who will be running around the backyard and want to make sure there are no issues with this plant.

    Thanks for your assistance.

    Doug

    GardenPlant.jpg
     
  2. Ron B

    Ron B Paragon of Plants 10 Years

    Messages:
    21,396
    Likes Received:
    844
    Location:
    Not here
    Ligustrum ovalifolium 'Aureum'.
     
  3. Michael F

    Michael F Paragon of Plants Forums Moderator 10 Years

    Messages:
    11,559
    Likes Received:
    574
    Location:
    Britain zone 8/9
    Agreed, Ligustrum ovalifolium 'Aureum' (a.k.a. variegated privet).

    Poisonous, but also foul-tasting, so relatively harmless (the child would take one taste and spit it out with a loud 'YUKK!', and not swallow enough to be harmed)
     
  4. oscar

    oscar Active Member

    Messages:
    493
    Likes Received:
    0
    Location:
    Surrey, England
    RHS book says all parts cause severe discomfort if ingested.
     
  5. Weekend Gardener

    Weekend Gardener Active Member 10 Years

    Messages:
    865
    Likes Received:
    1
    Location:
    Coquitlam, BC
    Also known as the California privet. It produces alkaloids which causes gastrointestinal upsets - vomiting, nausea, diarrhoea, etc. Some reports on accidental ingestion of berries of the common privet (Ligustrum vulgare)by children suggests that up to 12 berries causes diarrhoea and vomiting, but nothing more serious than that. (You see, kids may eat the most surprising things! So, watch out.) There is also the oft cited example of a sheep which died after ingesting the clippings off a hedge of Ligustrum ovalifolium
     
  6. Ron B

    Ron B Paragon of Plants 10 Years

    Messages:
    21,396
    Likes Received:
    844
    Location:
    Not here
    Another reason to make sure your children aren't part sheep.
     
  7. oscar

    oscar Active Member

    Messages:
    493
    Likes Received:
    0
    Location:
    Surrey, England
    lmao you been drinkin Ron
     
  8. Ron B

    Ron B Paragon of Plants 10 Years

    Messages:
    21,396
    Likes Received:
    844
    Location:
    Not here
    Pruning apple trees, actually. My head did get cold though.
     

Share This Page