Privet

priv'et, a genus of shrubs belonging to the olive family. There are about thirty-five species native to the Mediterranean region and farther Asia. The common privet is much used for hedges. It is an erect, handsome shrub that bears trimming well, and thrives in exposed, dry situations or in the shade and under the dripping of buildings equally well. The leaves are of a handsome green. The flowers are white and fragrant. Privet retains its black berries during the winter. A pink dye is made from them. The wood of some of the larger species makes excellent shoe pegs. Privet hedges are common in England. The common privet is hardy in the northern part of the United States. Other species are confined to the Southern and Middle States.