Paxistima canbyi

An interesting evergreen ground-covering shrublet that slowly spreads by underground runners to form a very dense mat of narrow and glossy, toothed leaves. Native to the Appalachian Mountains in the eastern US, there is only one other species in this genus – Paxistima myrsinites which is a large evergreen non-running shrub native to western mountains (Rockies, Cascades, etc.). Fine in light or even deep shade and somewhat tolerant of dry conditions once established. Not for full sun locations. Unlike its western relative, P. canbyi is quite rare in the wild. A fantastic and rarely offered plant for the woodland garden or rockery.