False Box

Scientific Name: Paxistima myrsinites

Add an evergreen native groundcover to your shaded plantings with False Box (Paxistima myrsinites), a low, glossy-leaved shrub found in forests throughout British Columbia. Its neat, boxwood-like foliage brings year-round green to the understory.

False Box is well adapted to the cool, well-drained forest soils of Interior BC. Its small leathery leaves, tidy habit, and evergreen colour make it an excellent choice for woodland gardens, shaded borders, and understory restoration.

Growing naturally in coniferous forests and rocky slopes, this understory evergreen provides low, dependable cover and structure while supporting the health and diversity of the forest floor.

Features

Native to British Columbia and western North America
Evergreen boxwood-like foliage
Low, tidy, spreading habit
Tolerates shade and forest conditions
Provides year-round groundcover
Supports forest understory biodiversity
Ideal for shaded and woodland plantings

Growing Information

Mature Height: 20 to 60 cm (8 to 24 in)

Spread: 40 to 90 cm (16 to 35 in)

Light Requirements: Partial shade to shade

Soil Requirements: Well-drained forest soils

Moisture Requirements: Low to moderate

Hardiness Zone: 3 to 7

Ecological Benefits

False Box provides evergreen cover and structure in the forest understory, sheltering insects and small wildlife and adding diversity to shaded plantings. Its low, spreading form helps stabilize forest soils. This species supports understory and forest restoration.

Please note: As a native plant, size and appearance may vary depending on the season and stage of growth.

dense growth plants

False Box 1 Gal | BC Native Evergreen Cover | Shackan Nursery

False Box Plug | BC Native Evergreen Cover | Shackan Nursery

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