Allegheny Spurge
Pachysandra procumbens
The native alternative to Japanese pachysandra: silver-mottled, semi-evergreen leaves and fragrant early spring flowers on a weed-beating groundcover.
Typically 1 pint–1 gal · $9–$30 · final price at pickup
- Thu, Sep 248 AM – 4 PM
- Fri, Sep 258 AM – 4 PM
- Sat, Sep 268 AM – 2 PM
The native replacement for invasive Japanese Pachysandra. same function, better ecology, more interesting mottled foliage, and fragrant spring flowers.
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.
A nursery-grown plant, ready for the ground.
Healthy, container-grown allegheny spurge propagated on-site at Hill House from regional genetics. Includes a one-page care card. We make every effort to supply plants as listed; occasionally we substitute a similar species of equal value.
Plant allegheny spurge instead of Japanese Pachysandra (Pachysandra terminalis). Same job in the garden, without the spread.
- Sun
- Part sun
- Water
- Average
- Mature size
- 6"–1' · 12–24 in wide
- Bloom time
- March–April
- USDA zones
- 4–9
- Family
- Buxaceae
- Native range
- Southeastern North America. rich deciduous woods from West Virginia and Kentucky south to Florida and Louisiana
Care notes for allegheny spurge.
Plant in partial to full shade in moist to dry, well-drained, humus-rich soil. Water during the first growing season to establish; very drought tolerant once settled in shade. Spreads slowly. be patient. Avoid heavy clay or poorly drained sites. No regular maintenance required once established; remove any invasive weeds before they get established among the colony. Do not fertilize heavily.
Pairs well with these.
Same light, same soil, same wildlife. Janet's picks to plant alongside allegheny spurge.
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