Fauna
Plant

Japanese Pachysandra

Pachysandra terminalis

Also known as Carpet Box, Japanese Spurge

Japanese pachysandra forms lush, evergreen carpets across shaded woodland floors and cultivated landscapes. Its glossy, coarsely toothed leaves grow in whorl-like clusters at the tips of creeping rhizomes, creating dense ground cover that chokes out competing weeds. Small, fragrant white flower spikes emerge in early spring, providing early-season nectar for emerging bees and pollinators.

EvergreenGround CoverShade Tolerant
Japanese Pachysandra reference1 / 7
(c) Algirdas, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA) · cc-by-sa
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Not EvaluatedConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXNot Evaluated — not placed on the risk ladderRed List categories, explained →
Key facts
Diet & preyAutotrophic (Photosynthesis)
ThreatsFungal leaf blight, root rot, extreme drought
HabitatsWoodlands, shaded slopes, cultivated gardens, forest understories
Life spanPerennial (indefinite via rhizomes)
Classification
  1. OrderBuxales
  2. FamilyBuxaceae
  3. GenusPachysandra
  4. SpeciesPachysandra terminalis
Range & activity
Range data is not available yet.
Safe observation
Interaction riskHigh
  1. Low
  2. Moderate
  3. High
  4. Very high
Why interaction risk is high
Toxic to humans and pets if ingested; keep away from grazing domestic animals.
Why it is dangerous
Contains toxic steroidal alkaloids that cause severe stomach distress, nausea, and drooling if ingested by pets or humans.
How to recognize a risky encounter
Recognized by low, carpet-like mats of whorled, glossy leaves with coarse teeth along the upper edges.
What to do
Wear garden gloves when clearing or dividing large patches, and prevent pets from chewing the stems.
Responsible observation
  • Light Requirements: Plant in partial to full shade to prevent leaves from scorching or yellowing in direct sun.
  • Disease Prevention: Thin out thick mats periodically to improve air circulation and reduce the risk of leaf blight.
Related species
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