Narrow-leaf privet is a much-branched, hardy, evergreen, fast-growing shrub up to four metres tall, formerly used extensively for hedging.

Sprays of small, round blue-black berries persist into winter.

Its stems are covered in lenticels (white dots). It is a tall multi-stemmed shrub.

Leaves are dark green ovals with a pointed tip, to 6cm long and often have a wavy margin.

Masses of heavily-scented tiny white tubular flowers occur in drooping sprays in spring; they are highly allergenic.

One plant may produce up to a million seeds, which are spread into bushland by birds, and are also washed down waterways.

Narrow-leaf privet seedlings grow like a carpet in creek silt deposits.

Narrow-leaf privet prefers warm, humid environments with moderate to high soil moisture throughout the year.

Creeks, gullies and drainage lines are favoured, but seedlings are able to establish in drier areas if run-off water is temporarily available.

Privet seedlings can tolerate very low light levels, allowing them to persist beneath dense canopies of vegetation.

Narrow-leaf privet has been found growing in a range of soil types, from pure sands through to friable loams, and almost pure clays. However, it is generally agreed that privet thrives on more fertile shale or clay-derived soils found in riparian areas.