Vick, Albert F. W.
Pachysandra procumbens Michx.
Allegheny spurge, Mountain spurge
Buxaceae (Box Family)
Mountain spurge or Allegheny spurge is a low
perennial, spreading with long rhizomes.
Toothed leaves crowd near the top of somewhat fleshy, 6 in., erect stems. Fragrant, white flowers cluster in a
spike, the many
staminate flowers above, the few pistillate flowers below. Leaves and stems are evergreen. Once the new shoots mature, the previous season’s growth disappears. Leaves have scalloped margins and are marbled with silver and purple.
Mountain Spurge is an excellent ground cover for shady areas. It is considered more attractive than the over-used, Asiatic
Pachysandra terminalis. The
native species grows slowly and will not take over like
P. terminalis.
Image Gallery:
14 photo(s) available
Plant Characteristics
Duration: Perennial Habit: Herb Leaf Retention: Semi-evergreen Size Notes: 4 to 9 inches high
Leaf: Dark green with pale green mottling
Flower: Flowers in 2 to 4 inch flower spikes
Fruit: Size Class: 0-1 ft.
Bloom Information
Bloom Color: White , Pink
Bloom Time: Mar , Apr , May
Bloom Notes: Color white or pale pink, fragrant, often appearing before new leaves emerge in early spring.
Distribution
USA: AL , FL , GA , IN , KY , LA , MS , NC , PA , SC , TN
Native Distribution: E. KY to w. NC, s. to LA & FL, Zones 6 to 8.
Native Habitat: Rich woods with limestone substrate. Rare.
USDA Native Status: L48(N) Growing Conditions
Water Use: Medium
Light Requirement: Part Shade , Shade
Soil Moisture: Moist
Soil pH: Circumneutral (pH 6.8-7.2)
Soil Description: Moist, humus-rich, acid soil. In the wild, found in rich soils with limestone substrate.
Conditions Comments: Can be
evergreen if placed where it is protected from north winds.
Benefit
Use Ornamental: A lovely, well adapted, low groundcover for the Southeast woodland landscape or shade garden.
Warning: Can be toxic and sometimes fatal to animals if eaten. Humans should generally avoid ingesting plants that are toxic to animals.
Conspicuous Flowers: yes
Fragrant Flowers: yes
Interesting Foliage: yes
Last Update: 2009-02-10
