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, Aug 138 AM – 4 PM
- Fri, Aug 148 AM – 4 PM
- Sat, Aug 158 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.
Or skip the guesswork.
Curated packages bundle complementary species for an instant habitat. One reservation, one pickup day, a printed layout map.
Short on Space Package
For gardeners who have an abundance of passion but are short on space, this package features tidy, upright, clump-forming natives that behave and function well in small spaces.
Shade Bed Package
Ferns, sedges, and woodland natives that thrive under existing trees.
Birder’s Paradise Package
For the avid bird watchers and budding ornithologists in our community, the Birder’s Paradise Package consists of species that Hill House Nursery staff and longtime native plant advocates such as Doug Tallamy consider ‘premier bird garden plants’.