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Vick, Albert F. W.
Leiophyllum buxifolium (Berg.) Ell.
Sand-myrtle, Sandmyrtle
Ericaceae (Heath Family)
USDA Symbol: lebu
USDA Native Status: Native to U.S.
A small, delicate, evergreen shrub of great variability in the wild. A low, upright, widely branching, evergreen shrub with crowded, leathery leaves and small, pink or pinkish-white flowers in dense clusters. Usually a dense shrub 1 1/2-3 ft. high in cultivation. Slender stems bear dark, lustrous green leaves which become bronzy in cold weather. Rose-colored flower buds open to white flowers tipped with pink in small, terminal clusters.
The genus name is from the Greek leios (“smooth”) and phyllon (“leaf”). The species name also refers to the leaves, which are similar to those of boxes (Buxus).
Bloom Information
Bloom Color: WhiteBloom Time: May , Jun
Distribution
USA: GA , KY , NC , NJ , PA , SC , TNNative Distribution: Mts. & lower piedmont of the Carolinas; also barrens of NJ
Native Habitat: Dry, sandy barrens; thin, moist mt. woods
USDA Native Status: L48(N)
Growing Conditions
Light Requirement: Part ShadeSoil Moisture: Moist
Soil Description: Moist, acid sand/peat soil.
Conditions Comments: A variable species, usually divided into three varieties. Does not tolerate drought. No serious disease or insect problems.
Propagation
Description: Increase with seeds under a mist tent, root cuttings, layering, or stem cuttings.Seed Collection: Not Available
Seed Treatment: Not Available
Commercially Avail: yes
Mr. Smarty Plants says
Evergreen plants safe for horses in Louisville, Kentucky
May 16, 2010
I have a horse farm in Louisville, Ky. I want to plant evergreen plants along the walls in front of the horse barns. What types of plants are not toxic to horses can I use? Thank you so much for all y...
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Recommended Species Lists
Find native plant species by state. Each list contains commercially available species suitable for gardens and planned landscapes. Once you have selected a collection, you can browse the collection or search within it using the combination search.
View Recommended Species pageAdditional resources
USDA: Find Leiophyllum buxifolium in USDA PlantsFNA: Find Leiophyllum buxifolium in the Flora of North America (if available)
Google: Search Google for Leiophyllum buxifolium
Metadata
Record Modified: 2007-01-01Research By: TWC Staff
