Allegheny Spurge. Anne Holmes, artist
Pachysandra procumbens, commonly called Allegheny spurge, is a native shrubby ground cover in the boxwood family (Buxaceae). It spreads slowly by rhizomes to form a dense carpet of evergreen matte blue-green leaves mottled with purple and white. Fragrant, white flowers cluster in a spike. Once the new shoots mature, the previous season’s growth disappears.
It performs well in a variety of soils from moist to dry and a range of soil pH as long as it is growing in partial to full shade. This woodland plant is also considered by many to be very deer- and drought-resistant and is excellent for preventing soil erosion.
This native produces pollen for bees especially in early spring. It is also an important nectar source for birds.
Botanical Gardens, located at 151 W.T. Weaver Boulevard, is a nonprofit organization housing a collection of plants native to the Southern Appalachian Mountains. Admission is free, but donations are appreciated and memberships are encouraged. Membership benefits include; a discount of 10 percent on purchases in the Gift Shop, extensive collection of gardening and nature books in the Cole Library that members can check out (reference collection not included), our quarterly New Leaf newsletter, and tours and programs at a reduced rate. Gardens are open from sun-up to sundown, and the gift shop, with garden-themed items and books, is open daily from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Learn more at AshevilleBotanicalGardens.org.
