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Paxistima spp.
Canby's mountain-lover
North America (Appalachians and western mountains)
Overview
Paxistima spp. is a genus of two low evergreen shrubs in the family Celastraceae, both native to North America: P. canbyi of the central and southern Appalachians and P. myrsinites of western mountains. The plants form low, spreading, densely branched mounds 8 to 24 inches (20 to 60 cm) tall and wider than high, with four-angled stems. The small leathery leaves are 0.3 to 1.2 inches (8 to 30 mm) long, narrow in P. canbyi and broader and toothed in P. myrsinites, set opposite and staying green through winter. Tiny four-petalled flowers about 0.1 inch (3 mm) wide, in red-brown to maroon, open in spring in the leaf axils and are easy to overlook. A small two-seeded capsule follows. The genus grows in part shade to full sun on moist, well-drained, rocky or sandy soil and tolerates lime in the case of P. canbyi. Plants spread slowly and root where the low stems touch the ground, forming an evergreen mat used as ground cover and edging. They are sensitive to wet, poorly drained soil and to hot, dry exposure. The neat, small-leaved evergreen foliage and low spreading habit suit rock gardens and shaded edging.
Native Range
Paxistima spp. is native to North America, with P. canbyi in the central and southern Appalachian mountains and P. myrsinites in the western mountains from British Columbia to California and the Rockies. Plants grow on rocky slopes, cliffs, and in open coniferous woodland.Suggested Uses
Paxistima spp. is grown as evergreen ground cover, low edging, and a rock garden shrub, and on shaded banks where its mat-forming habit holds soil. The year-round foliage suits foundation beds and woodland edges. P. canbyi is also used in native plantings within its Appalachian range.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height8" - 2'
Width/Spread2' - 5'
Bloom Information
Flowering occurs in spring, roughly April to June depending on elevation, with tiny red-brown to maroon flowers tucked in the leaf axils. The flowers are small and draw little notice but attract small insects. A two-seeded capsule develops over summer.
Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
red-brown to maroonFoliage Description
dark greenGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 3-8 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Paxistima spp. grows in part shade to full sun on moist, well-drained, rocky or sandy soil, with P. canbyi tolerating limestone and P. myrsinites suited to more acidic mountain soils. Both need sharp drainage and are sensitive to wet, heavy ground and to hot, dry exposure. Plants establish slowly and spread by low stems that root where they touch the soil, forming an evergreen mat over time. A mulch keeps the roots cool and moist while plants settle. The genus has few serious pests and needs little care once established.Pruning
Little pruning is needed beyond a light shearing in spring to keep the mat dense and even. Wayward or winter-damaged stems can be trimmed back into healthy growth. Plants tolerate clipping and can be kept low as edging.Container Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 2 gallons