Most Common Shrub Genus Around DC Federal Buildings: Ligustrum (Privet)

While no official survey exists, Ligustrum (privet) is widely considered the most prevalent shrub genus around federal buildings in Washington, DC.

Why Ligustrum?

• Ubiquitous in DC landscaping: Cheap, fast-growing, dense, evergreen (semi-), tolerates pollution, compaction, shearing.
• Federal standards: GSA/NCPC guidelines favor low-maintenance, formal hedges for security perimeters, screening, boundaries.
• Species used: L. japonicum (Japanese privet), L. lucidum (glossy privet), L. vulgare (common privet), L. × vicaryi (golden vicary).

Other Common Genera

• Taxus (yew) — formal, slow, toxic
• Buxus (boxwood) — classic, blight-prone
• Ilex (holly) — evergreen, berries, security
• Euonymus — versatile, scale issues
• Prunus (laurel) — fast, screening

Ecological Note

Ligustrum is invasive in Mid-Atlantic — birds spread seeds into Rock Creek Park, natural areas. NPS actively removes it. Federal sites increasingly specify native alternatives (Ilex glabra, Morella cerifera, Ceanothus americanus).

So: Privet (Ligustrum) is the de facto answer — but a declining one by policy.