Plant · GBIF taxon 2984676
Japanese pachysandra
Pachysandra terminalisAlso 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
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Not EvaluatedConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXNot Evaluated — not placed on the risk ladderRed List categories, explained →
Diet & prey
- Autotrophic (Photosynthesis)
Predators
Not available
ThreatsFungal leaf blight, root rot, extreme drought
HabitatsWoodlands, shaded slopes, cultivated gardens, forest understories
Life spanPerennial (indefinite via rhizomes)
Size / weightNot available
Classification
- OrderBuxales
- FamilyBuxaceae
- GenusPachysandra
- SpeciesPachysandra terminalis
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskHigh
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- 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.
Native Relative (c) Michael J. Papay, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Michael J. Papay · cc-by
Family Relative (c) Julien Renoult, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Julien Renoult · cc-by
Help improve the field guideSomething wrong?
Checking your Fauna account…Report a name, category, or profile issue for review.