pachysandra

Pachysandra is a genus of four or five species of evergreen groundcovers or subshrubs, belonging to the Boxwood Family, Buxaceae. The species are native to eastern Asia and southeast North America, some reaching a height of 20-45 cm, with only weakly woody stems. The leaves are alternate, leathery, with an entire to coarsely toothed margin, and range from 5-10 cm long.  This pachysandra has been growing in the University Rock Garden since late 1980's.  It is an evergreen and is shown in November with a mulch of fallen leaves.  It has set buds for next years flowers and will bloom in the spring.  A very good ground cover for a shady area.  Not too much weeding needed because of the dense cover of leaves.