Privet control in Toowoomba City

Broad-leaved privet has become a serious environmental threat in eastern states due to its devastating effect on our native forests and woodlands.

Both broad-leaved and small-leaved privet were brought to Australia from Britain in the early days of the colony as ornamental plants.

Broad-leaved privet is a perennial shrub or small tree, which grows up to 6 m high, with oval leaves, and white flowers that occur in bunches up to 20 cm long. The fruit are black or blue berries, which are approximately 8 mm diameter.

Small-leaved privet is a densely branched perennial shrub, which grows up to 4 m high. It's leaves are up to 7 cm long and the white flowers occur in bunches up to 10 cm long. The fruit are black or blue berries approximately 5 mm in diameter. Privet berries are poisonous to humans, while the flowers can cause allergic reactions.

Privet is not confined to Toowoomba's escarpment parks and other bushland areas. Due to ideal growing conditions in and around Toowoomba, healthy specimens can be found in private gardens.

Council encourages residents to cut down privet growing on their property. For more information regarding how to remove privet a please contact Environmental Health Services.