Ligustrum obtusifolium is a woody, perennial, semi-deciduous shrub that grows to 10 ft. (3 m) in height. It is many stemmed and has pubescent branchlets.
Foliage
Its opposite leaves are elliptic to oblong-ovate in shape and measure 1-2 in. (2.5-5 cm) long and 0.3-1 in. (0.75-2.5 cm) wide. The apex of the leaf can be either acute or obtuse in shape. The upper leaf surface is dark green in color, while the lower surface is pubescent, or only pubescent on the mid-rib.
Flowers
The white flowers of Ligustrum obtusifolium are unpleasantly scented and are borne in nodding panicles that measure 0.75-1.5 in. (2-2.5 cm) long. The flowers appear on the plant in June.
Fruit
The fruits are black or blue-black, somewhat glaucous drupes. They are subglobose in shape and measure 0.25 in. (6 mm) in length. Fruit appear on the plant in September and persist on the branches into the winter.
Ecological Threat
Like Ligustrum vulgare and L. sinense, this plant is capable of escaping to form dense thickets that can crowd out native species.