Japanese Spurge, Japanese pachysandra, Pachysandra

Pachysandra terminalis

Physical Characteristics

Pachysandra terminalis is an evergreen Shrub growing to 0.2 m (0ft 8in) by 0.5 m (1ft 8in) at a medium rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 5 and is not frost tender. It is in leaf all year, in flower from April to May, and the seeds ripen from September to October. The species is monoecious (individual flowers are either male or female, but both sexes can be found on the same plant). Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils and can grow in very acid and very alkaline soils. It can grow in full shade (deep woodland) or semi-shade (light woodland). It prefers dry or moist soil and can tolerate drought.

Distribution

E. Asia - China, Japan.

Habitats

Woodland Garden Dappled Shade; Shady Edge; not Deep Shade; Ground Cover;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Fruit Edible Uses: Fruit - raw or cooked. Sweet and juicy[105]. The ovoid fruits are 5 - 6mm long[266]. The fruit is not usually produced in cultivation[200] - this could be because both male and female plants are required and most people only grow one plant.

Medicinal Uses

None known

Known Hazards

None known