Broad-leaf privet

• Evergreen shrub up to 10m tall.
• Branches are closely packed.
• Leaves are dark green, broad, leathery, 4–13cm long, 3–6cm wide, with pointed tips, growing in opposite pairs.
• Flowers are tubular, cream or white, 3.5–6mm long, with sickly sweet fragrance.
• Berries are black, 9mm long, 12mm in diameter, occur in dense bunches.

• Prefers warm, humid environments.
• Found around creeks, gullies and drainage lines.

• Found throughout South East Queensland.
• Visit the Weeds Australia website and click on the distribution tab to access the distribution map.

• Can live for up to 100 years.
• Produces up to 10 million seeds each growing season.
• Seeds survive in soil 1–2.5 years.

Environmental

• Displaces rainforest species.
• Invades riparian vegetation and disturbed sites.
• Forms thickets, destroying native animal habitat.

Social

• Irritates hay fever sufferers.

• Fruit eaten and dispersed by birds.
• Seeds can spread by flowing water.

• Find out how farmers can prevent weed spread.
• Find out how gardeners and outdoor enthusiasts can prevent weed spread.

Physical control

• Control by mowing or hand-pulling.
• But be aware that regrowth can occur when taproot is broken by hand-pulling.

Herbicide control

• Herbicides can be effective.

Read the broad-leaf or tree privet fact sheet (PDF, 6.8MB) for herbicide control and application rates.

Biological control

• No known biological control agents.

• Broad-leaf privet is a category 3 restricted invasive plant under the Biosecurity Act 2014.
• You must not be give away, sell, or release into the environment. Penalties may apply.
• You must take all reasonable and practical measures to minimise the biosecurity risks associated with dealing with broad-leaf privet under your control. This is called a general biosecurity obligation (GBO).
• At a local level, each local government agency must have a biosecurity plan that covers invasive plants and animals in its area. This plan may include actions to be taken on broad-leaf privet. Some of these actions may be required under local laws. Contact your local council for more information.