At the start of this summer, Kangaroo Valley folk and visitors were at times overwhelmed by the scent of privet, and while this is generally not a prime allergen, cross-reactivity can occur where people who are sensitive to grass pollen can become sensitive to privet, producing allergic reactions (like asthma and irritation of mucous membranes). It is thought that the perfume of the flowers causes these reactions not the pollen.
The whole plant is considered poisonous, especially the leaves and berries both to livestock and to humans.
Let’s be good neighbours to each other and the wider environment; privet is a serious environmental weed. Thank you to the many keen gardeners and volunteers who spend time on their hands and knees pulling out privet seedlings which are spread by fruit-eating birds like pied currawongs. Often the seedlings germinate in clusters after birds have regurgitated the seeds. Killing or removing mature heavily flowering and seeding specimens (both small and large leafed varieties) will not only help the people of the Valley, but also help to protect our native biodiversity (including endangered animal and plant species). Seeds can also be spread by flowing water which may mean that our creeks and gullies could be prime habitat for privet to take hold.
Consider offering to help friends and neighbours who may be daunted by privet removal, and if you see privet on road verges or in council reserves, use the Snap, Send, Solve App. This information will help Council staff.
If you do have a privet hedge, please keep it trimmed so it doesn’t flower and set seed. If you are looking for a suitable hedge replacement, there are many varieties of Lilly Pilly of different widths and heights.
Regularly check sites where birds visit, and where mature privets have been removed new seedlings will emerge. And if you have poisoned the privet stump further treatment may be needed if the roots and cut stump produce suckers.
For further information please contact:
Kangaroo Valley Environment Group – Greg Thompson 0473 114 026 or
Upper Kangaroo Valley Landcare – Belinda Maree 0466 065 768.
Sarah Waddell
