Allegheny Spurge

Pachysandra procumbens

Allegheny Spurge is the native alternative to Japanese Pachysandra, and in the right situation it's better looking. The large, semi-evergreen leaves are silver-mottled and deeply textured. more interesting than the flat green of its invasive Asian cousin. In early spring before the foliage expands, short spikes of fragrant white to pale pink flowers emerge from the ground with a subtle sweetness that rewards close attention. It spreads slowly by rhizomes to form a dense groundcover that outcompetes weeds once established, making it a reliable long-term solution for dry to average shade. It goes semi-dormant in summer in hot climates but rebuffs with fresh foliage in fall. Much better ecological value than Japanese Pachysandra, supporting native insects that the non-native species doesn't.