Pachysandra procumbens Michx.

Allegheny Spurge; Mountain Spurge

Herb

Perennial

Vascular

Allegheny Spurge is a native herbaceous evergreen perennial in the Boxwood family (Buxaceae). It can be found in the northern third of Alabama and in the Red Hills and Chunnenuggee Ridge area of central Alabama. Allegheny Spurge grows in rich, mature deciduous forests, often found near the base of slopes. Allegheny Spurge is a stoloniferous suffrutescent (shrub-like) perennial producing unbranched stems that are 8-12 inches in length. The erect or decumbent stems persists for 1-2 years before dying. Two types of leaves are produced. Those near the base of the stem are scale-like. The upper leaves are alternate, petiolate, ovate to elliptic in outline, pubescent, with coarsely serrate margins toward the apex. The leaves are mottled in light green, dark green, purple, and white. Fragrant flowers are produced in spikes on the lower part of the stem. The spikes have 3-5 female flowers below 20-30 male flowers. The female flowers are subtended by 4 pinkish bracts and have no petals or sepals. The stigma and style are white. The male flowers lack petals and sepals. They have 4 large flattened white stamens. The fruit is a capsule. Allegheny Spurge is listed as an S2S3 species in Alabama, and globally as a G4G5 species. Allegheny Spurge is available from some nurseries. It should not be confused with Japanese pachysandra (Pachysandra terminalis), an introduced species with terminal spikes. Allegheny Spurge prefers a humus-rich soil in dappled shade. It is deer resistant and drought tolerant once established. It can be used as a ground cover or accent plant for shade.—A. Diamond

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Native S2S3 (State Rank) G4G5 (Global Rank)

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