Maryland Native Plants for Winter Interest

Pachysandra procumbens – Alleghany Spurge

Alleghany Spurge, also known as pachysandra procumbens grows in acidic, organically rich, medium moisture, well-drained soils in part shade to full shade. This groundcover grows well along the edge of a woodland garden or as an under planting to trees and shrubs as it grows very well in dappled light. Foliage tends to bleach when grown in too much sun.  It is useful for erosion control and shady sloped banks and works well in areas where the lawn is shaded out by dense tree coverage. This plant has fragrant, white,  bottle brush like blossoms that pollinators use from March to April.

Called Allegheny spurge due to its natural range, this native Pachysandra can be found in pockets of Pennsylvania and New York but truly resides from North Carolina and down along into the southeastern states. Established plants tolerate drought. Plants will slowly spread by rhizomes to form colonies. Avoid overhead watering and thin plants periodically to promote good air circulation, particularly if plants have experienced problems with leaf blight. Propagate by root division or cuttings. Avoid areas with full sun or with poor soil drainage as this will harm the plant. Good air circulation and drainage lessens the risk for leaf blight and root rot.

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