Ligustrum

Not Recommended. Included here as an example of aggressive non-native species to avoid in south-central Texas, the ligustrums include several privet species used by homebuilders as instant evergreen hedges. Introduced as an ornamental, ligustrum escaped cultivation and has come to dominate urban woodlands, where it replaces native plants and trees. The purple berries are spread by birds in spring, littering the ground with purple splatters. For non-invasive native alternatives, consider cherry laurel, yaupon holly, mountain laurel, evergreen sumac, and cenizo.