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littleleaf boxwood
Scientific Name: Buxus microphylla
Family: Buxaceae
Category: Dicot
Growth:
Duration:
Other Names:
Littleleaf Boxwood: A Classic Evergreen
The Littleleaf Boxwood (Buxus microphylla) is a popular evergreen shrub known for its compact growth habit and fine texture. It's also known as Japanese boxwood. It is appreciated for its versatility in landscaping, particularly for hedges and borders.
Other common names include:
- Small-leaved boxwood
Considerations for Pets
- The text mentions that the plant can be sheared and pruned, potentially resulting in small clippings that could be ingested by pets.
Taxonomy and Nomenclature
- Scientific Name: Buxus microphylla
- Family: Buxaceae (Boxwood Family)
- Synonyms: Buxus sinica, Japanese boxwood
- Varieties:
- Buxus microphylla var. koreana (Korean Littleleaf Boxwood)
- Buxus microphylla var. japonica (Japanese Boxwood)
Distribution and Habitat
The Littleleaf Boxwood is native to Asia, including Japan. While it has been cultivated since the 15th century, it is not known to exist in the wild.
Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits
- Littleleaf Boxwood is a dense, compact shrub that typically grows to about 3 feet high, though it can reach up to 6 feet in height and 4 feet in spread.
- It is slow-growing, adding only about 1.5 inches per year.
- It's a fine-textured evergreen that tolerates shearing very well.
- Some cultivars, like 'Green Velvet', have pale green leaves and a mounding habit.
- 'Winter Gem' has large glossy evergreen leaves with bronze backs.
Cultivation
- Littleleaf Boxwood thrives in zones 4 to 9, or 5 to 9 depending on the source.
- It prefers partial shade and medium watering.
- It's often used as a border or hedge due to its tolerance of shearing.
- Pruning and trimming are best done in the summer.
Quirky Facts
- Chinese littleleaf boxwood, a precious and rare form of wood, is said to grow in virgin forests, high mountains, or precipices and blossoms in winter.
- Some cultivars exhibit curious coiled and curled stems.
Further Information
For more information, you can consult resources such as:
- University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture Cooperative Extension Service
- Dave's Garden
- Floridata Plant Profile
- plantANT.com