A non-native plant has disturbed wildlife on St. Edward’s University campus property and in a nearby nature preserve.

Several groups have taken action to eradicate the plant for safety and conservation reasons.

Known as Chinese privet, or ligustrum, the plant thrives at Blunn Creek Nature Preserve and on the undeveloped university property located along Woodward Street and I-35.

Ligustrum, scientific name Ligustrum sinense, is a woody plant with waxy leaves native to Asia that grows quickly and oftentimes in dense clusters. According to Rene Barrera, an environmental conservation expert for the City of Austin, the plant was introduced to Central Texas in the mid-1800s as an ornamental.

However, it is considered an invasive species because it out-competes native plants for sunlight, water and nutrients. Native grass species that once grew in Blunn Creek and on campus property have disappeared, leaving exposed soil that is susceptible to wind and water erosion.

“Because of its success it has become one of the most abundant species in urban and suburban ecosystems,” said ecologist and biology professor Bill Quinn. “Because of its success, the relative success of other native species has