Question
Hi Bakerplanter,
    I just had a very long conversation with Nick McCann, but he went on vacation. I need to know if I plant my Myer lemon tree near a Privet will those tiny flower things from the privet hurt or bother my citrus? I notice at this time of year they are all over the yard.

Lucinda

Answer
Privet (Ligustrum sp.)


The leaves and berries of privet are poisonous which causes digestive disturbances, nervous symptoms and can be fatal. Privet is one of several plants which are poisonous to horses. In the some parts of the world where they are not native, some privet species have become invasive weeds, spreading into wilderness areas and displacing native species. This is particularly a problem in North America, where no species of the genus occurs naturally. Privet is a huge problem in New Zealand. It is banned from sale or cultivation in New Zealand due to the effects of its pollen on asthma sufferers. Privet pollen is known to cause asthma and eczema in sufferers.

Above is information I found about Privet poisoning. It states that the leaves and berries are poisonous. The pollen causes problems with asthma and eczema. But I don't see anything about the tiny flower things. My thought about it is to be careful. If you plan to eat the rind of the lemon then either plant the tree away from the Privet, so that the pollen and flowers do not get on the lemons, and contaminate them, or wash the lemons carefully before consuming them.(Which is a good idea anyway.) Poisons from plants are usually only a hazard if you eat the plant. It would be considered unusual for the poison to be transferred to another plant, making that plant poison as well.