Oregon Boxleaf
(Paxistima myrsinites)
Oregon Boxleaf (Paxistima myrsinites)
/
/
Randal
Public Domain
Image By:
Randal
Recorded By:
Copyright:
Public Domain
Copyright Notice:
Photo by: Randal | License Type: Public Domain | License URL: http://creativecommons.org/publicdomain/zero/1.0/ | Rights Holder: Randal | Publisher: iNaturalist | Date Created: 2020-05-15T15:32:12-07:00 |
Estimated Native Range
Summary
Paxistima myrsinites, commonly known as Oregon Boxleaf, is an evergreen shrub native to the understory of coniferous forests in the Western United States and the mountainous regions of Mexico. It typically grows as a low, prostrate or spreading shrub, reaching up to 1 meter in height. Its appearance is characterized by small, leathery leaves and a dense, mat-forming habit. The flowers, which bloom from June to August, are inconspicuous with four dark red oval petals about a millimeter long, nestled in the leaf axils, sometimes solitary or in clusters of up to three. The fruit is an oblong capsule containing usually one seed in each of its two valves, with a dark, shiny seed that is partly covered in a white aril.
Oregon Boxleaf is valued for its low maintenance and suitability for ground cover in shaded areas, as well as its resistance to drought once established. It is often used in rock gardens, as an understory plant, or for erosion control on slopes. This shrub thrives in full sun to part shade and prefers soils with medium drainage, although it can tolerate a range of soil conditions. While generally disease-free, it can occasionally suffer from root rot if overwatered. Oregon Boxleaf can be propagated through seed or cuttings, making it a versatile choice for gardeners. Its evergreen foliage provides year-round interest, and although the flowers are not particularly showy, they add a subtle charm to the plant’s overall aesthetic.CC BY-SA 4.0
Oregon Boxleaf is valued for its low maintenance and suitability for ground cover in shaded areas, as well as its resistance to drought once established. It is often used in rock gardens, as an understory plant, or for erosion control on slopes. This shrub thrives in full sun to part shade and prefers soils with medium drainage, although it can tolerate a range of soil conditions. While generally disease-free, it can occasionally suffer from root rot if overwatered. Oregon Boxleaf can be propagated through seed or cuttings, making it a versatile choice for gardeners. Its evergreen foliage provides year-round interest, and although the flowers are not particularly showy, they add a subtle charm to the plant’s overall aesthetic.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Shrub
- Height: 1-2 feet
- Width: 1-2 feet
- Growth Rate: Slow, Moderate
- Flower Color: N/A
- Flowering Season: Spring, Summer
- Leaf Retention: Evergreen
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
- Water: Low, Medium
- Drainage: Medium
Common Uses
Erosion Control, Groundcover, Low Maintenance
Natural Habitat
Understory of coniferous forests and mountainous regions in the Western United States and Mexico
Other Names
Common Names: Mountain-Lover, Goatbrush, Oregon-Boxwood, False Box, Myrtle Boxleaf, Boxleaf, Boxleaf Myrtle, Mountain Lover, Oregon Boxwood, Falsebox
Scientific Names: , Paxistima myrsinites, Pachystima macrophylla, Pachystima schaefferi, Paxistima macrophylla, Myginda myrtifolia var. major, Myginda myrtifolia var. minor, Pachystima krautteri, Paxistima myrsinites var. major,
GBIF Accepted Name: Paxistima myrsinites (Pursh) Raf.