This a taller shrub like plant that kind of resembles a dwarf sumac, but the leaves are further spaced. My father calls it wild hedge. It does have small little green berries. It’s really hard to cut out and very dense.
Hi Katherine,
this is a non-native very invasive plant called Chinese Privet or Asian Privet, Ligustrum sinense. It is ruining many natural environments and replacing native plants. The seeds are eaten by birds and spread widely. It is one plant you should never allow on your property. I weed out seedlings whenever they appear. You can find out more about it here: https://www.wabe.org/asian-privet-other-plants-are-invading-more-georgia-ground/ There are several similar privets that are also quite invasive. Your father is right-on – Ligustrum was originally planted as a hedge plant.
Sincerely,
Dr. Steven Hill, Botanist, SCNPS