My dh brought home a cutting of this flowering shrub with a nice fragrance but I'm not sure what it is. He said the plant was maybe 8 to 10 feet tall with the branches spilling downward. It's growing all along the roads here in northeastern Texas with blooms right now.

I looked at Spiraeas but not able to find one like this. The leaves are smooth and leathery.

Whatever it is, I'm hoping to propagate it successfully.

With opposite leaves and 4 petal flowers I believe it is Osmanthus burkwoodii

Pretty and it looks like Chinese Privet (Ligustrum sinense) which is considered an invasive in many areas.


Here's the database entry and a photo of Japanese Privet (Ligustrum japonicum) which is also considered invasive in many areas.

Eeeck..Ligustrum that was my first suggestion..then I edited to change it to Osmanthus.
Now agree Ligustrum japonicum!

Yes! Unfortunately after looking at both plants, I'm pretty sure it's a Ligustrum! I was going to suggest this one because Dave has some pictures of it from his location which is similar to ours.

Chinese Privet (Ligustrum sinense)

But let me take a look at L. japonicum...

Yes! Thank you both for your help. Upon further review and confirmed by my dh, Chinese Privet (Ligustrum sinense). So I'm aborting my mission to propagate.

But, on the good side, I'm going to look into finding an Osmanthus somewhere on line to purchase. So, I'm very happy @Silversurfer that you considered it. Thank you.

I'm going to consider this solved as Ligustrum sinense.

Christine, thank you for the tips!