Paxistima myrsinites

Common Names

Mountain Lover, Oregon Boxwood, Oregon Boxleaf, False Box, Myrtle Boxwood, Myrtle Box Leaf, Boxleaf Myrtle, Hedge, Box

Summary

Oregon boxleaf is an evergreen shrub native to western North America from British Columbia to California and east to the Rocky Mountains, typically forming a low, prostrate to spreading habit in forest understories. It grows as dense mats 20–100 cm tall with many four-angled stems and corky ridges, and features opposite, thick, leathery leaves 1–3 cm long with minutely serrate margins; tiny four-petaled flowers occur in leaf axils, followed by small capsules as fruits.

In cultivation, Oregon boxleaf tolerates sun to partial shade and well-drained soils, is drought-tolerant once established, and hardy in zones 3–9 (to -30°F). It works as a groundcover, low hedge, or border, and for erosion control or native restoration; propagation is possible by cuttings or layering, with seed propagation also possible; watch for pests such as scale insects and aphids, and deer resistance is moderate.

Lifecycle

Perennial

Height

8 inches-2.5 feet

Spread

0.5-3.5 feet

Hardiness Zones

Zones 4-7

Sunlight Requirements

Ideally partial shade.

Soil Type

Well-drained, humus-rich soil, pH 5.0–8.0.

Soil Drainage

Well-drained soil

Soil pH

5.5-7.0, Slightly acidic to neutral soils

Bloom Color

Insignificant

Bloom Time

Spring to Summer

Foliage Color

Dark green on top; pale underneath; light green when new.

Fall Foliage Color

No fall color

Leaf Lifecycle

Evergreen broadleaf

Growth Rate

Slow to moderate growth rate; reaches 0.3–1 m tall or wide over several years.

Seasons of Interest

Spring and Summer

Propagation Methods

Seeds, Softwood cuttings, Layering, Division

Attracts Wildlife

Bees, flies, and birds are attracted