This bushy, semi-evergreen shrub is usually found in hedgerows, on limestone and also, occasionally, on cliffs. Growing to a height of 10m, from May to July it carries dense spikes of strongly-scented, creamy-white 4-petalled flowers (4-6mm across). The lanceolate leaves are untoothed, somewhat leathery and opposite and in autumn, the plant bears poisonous black shiny berries. This is considered to be a native plant in some areas of Ireland and an introduction in others. Wild Privet belongs to the family Ligustrum.
I identified this shrub at Lowtown, Co Kildare in 2009 when I also photographed it.
If you are satisfied you have correctly identified this plant, please submit your sighting to the National Biodiversity Data Centre
