Plant · GBIF taxon 2984671
Buxus sempervirens
buxus sempervirensAlso known as Common Box, European Box, Boxwood, American Boxwood
Evergreen shrubs that form dense, compact foliage, common boxwoods have served as the classic choice for formal hedges and topiary since ancient Roman times. Their small, glossy, leathery leaves release a sharp, distinct aromatic scent when warmed by the sun. In spring, subtle yellowish flowers bloom in leaf axils, providing early nectar for bees despite lacking showy petals.
EvergreenOrnamentalToxic Plant
1 / 7—observations
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Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Diet & prey
- Autotrophic (Photosynthetic)
Predators
- Box tree moth caterpillars
- Boxwood psyllid
- Boxwood leafminer
ThreatsBox tree moth caterpillars, box blight fungal disease, and habitat loss
HabitatsChalk downs, scrublands, open woodlands, and cultivated gardens
Life spanUp to 500 years
Size / weightNot available
Classification
- OrderBuxales
- FamilyBuxaceae
- GenusBuxus
- Speciesbuxus sempervirens
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskHigh
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is high
- Contains toxic alkaloids causing severe stomach upset if ingested; handle sap with gloves to avoid irritation.
- Why it is dangerous
- Contains toxic steroidal alkaloids including buxine that cause nausea, severe vomiting, and dizziness if ingested.
- How to recognize a risky encounter
- Recognized by small, glossy oval leaves arranged in opposite pairs along dense, square-angled stems.
- What to do
- Wear gloves when pruning to avoid skin irritation from sap, and keep cuttings away from livestock and pets.
Responsible observation
- Pruning: Trim during late spring or mid-summer using sharp shears to prevent fungal infection.
- Observation: Look closely at leaf axils in early spring to spot tiny yellow blossoms.
- Health Check: Inspect inner branches regularly for webbing or foliage loss from caterpillars.
Insect Pest 
Close Relative no rights reserved, uploaded by viridian · cc0Close Relative
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