Physiognomy and Structure: These are stands of Ligustrum sinense or other Ligustrum species without a tree canopy. The density of the shrub layer may be such that there is no development of the herbaceous stratum.

Floristics: These are stands of Ligustrum sinense or other Ligustrum species, including Ligustrum amurense, Ligustrum japonicum, Ligustrum lucidum, Ligustrum obtusifolium, Ligustrum ovalifolium, Ligustrum vulgare, and possibly others, that could form stands on upland sites in the eastern United States. The density of the shrub layer may be such that there is no development of the herbaceous stratum.

Dynamics:  Ligustrum sinense is a successful invasive species because of its ability to outcompete and therefore displace native vegetation. This competitive superiority to native vegetation is connected with the plant''s ability to adapt to different light conditions. For example, in low-light environments, privet is able to produce fewer and larger ramets than its competitors. These larger ramets make privet more tree-like, making it better able to compete for light than its more shrub-like native counterparts (Morris et al. 2002). Privet is an ideal invasive species because it reproduces both sexually and asexually (Urbatch 2003). Through sexual reproduction, privet produces seeds that are easily dispersed by wind and animals, and which can rapidly colonize disturbed soil, including abandoned agricultural land. Privet matures quickly, which allows for a short generation cycle and even greater dispersal. The roots of privet can reproduce asexually through root suckers. This vegetative reproduction makes privet difficult and costly to control because root fragments left in the soil can sprout and grow new plants (Urbatch 2003).