Buxus microphylla var. japonica
Common Name(s):
- Phonetic Spelling
- BUK-sus my-kroh-FY-lah vah-RY-eh-tee jah-PON-ih-kah
- This plant has low severity poison characteristics.
- See below
- Description
-
Evergreen shrub to 6.5', loose and rounded. Prefers well-drained soil with slight acidity to slight alkalinity in dappled to partial shade. It can grown in full shade but will become leggy and sparsely foliated. It is a slow growing shrub and sensitive to over-fertilization. Drought, deer, rabbit, and nematode resistant. New growth may be injured by frost.
Commonly seen as a houseplant or in an interiorscape. In the landscape, it works well as a low hedge, foundation plant, edging, or shrub border. It is very tolerant of pruning ad sheering but do not prune before the last spring frost date or new growth will be damaged. Propagate by stem cutting or the plant will self-seed in optimum growing conditions.
Quick ID Hints:
- Leaves opposite, apex rounded or notched
- Stems square and winged (decurrent petiole)
- Midrib with white cottony pubescence below
- Leaves about one inch long and often as broad
Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: This plant can be challenging to grow. Boxwoodmites and leaf miners can affect stressed plants. Blight and leaf spot can affect plants. Root rot occurs in poorly drained soil. Foliage burns in hot summer suns or harsh winter winds.
VIDEO Created by Elizabeth Meyer for "Trees, Shrubs and Conifers" a plant identification course offered in partnership with Longwood Gardens.
- Profile Video:
- See this plant in the following landscapes:
- English Garden Terrace View English Garden Boxwood Parterre Garden
- Cultivars / Varieties:
- 'Borderline'
- Tags:
- Cultivars / Varieties:
- 'Borderline'
- Tags:
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-
Attributes:
- Genus:
- Buxus
- Species:
- microphylla
- Family:
- Buxaceae
- Uses (Ethnobotany):
- Wood was used to make boxes, hence the common name.
- Life Cycle:
- Woody
- Recommended Propagation Strategy:
- Seed
- Stem Cutting
- Country Or Region Of Origin:
- Japan
- Dimensions:
- Height: 6 ft. 0 in. - 8 ft. 6 in.
- Width: 10 ft. 0 in. - 15 ft. 0 in.
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Whole Plant Traits:
- Plant Type:
- Poisonous
- Shrub
- Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
- Broadleaf Evergreen
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Cultural Conditions:
- Light:
- Dappled Sunlight (Shade through upper canopy all day)
- Partial Shade (Direct sunlight only part of the day, 2-6 hours)
- Soil Texture:
- Clay
- Loam (Silt)
- Sand
- Soil pH:
- Acid (<6.0)
- Alkaline (>8.0)
- Neutral (6.0-8.0)
- Soil Drainage:
- Good Drainage
- Moist
- Available Space To Plant:
- 3 feet-6 feet
- 6-feet-12 feet
- 12-24 feet
- USDA Plant Hardiness Zone:
- 6b, 6a, 7b, 7a, 8b, 8a, 9b, 9a
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Fruit:
- Fruit Type:
- Capsule
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Flowers:
- Flower Color:
- Cream/Tan
- Green
- Flower Inflorescence:
- Insignificant
- Flower Bloom Time:
- Spring
- Flower Petals:
- 4-5 petals/rays
- Flower Description:
- Small, green to cream insignificant flowers in axillary clusters, 4-parted. Apetalous (no petals).
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Leaves:
- Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
- Broadleaf Evergreen
- Leaf Color:
- Gold/Yellow
- Green
- Leaf Type:
- Simple
- Leaf Arrangement:
- Opposite
- Hairs Present:
- No
- Leaf Description:
- Small, opposite, simple leaves, broadest above the middle. Typically obcordate and just as broad as long, rounded or notched apex; petiole fused to stem (decurrent) with white cottony midrib below. Foliage green, but sometimes has yellowish-green leaves, malodorous.
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Stem:
- Stem Is Aromatic:
- No
- Stem Cross Section:
- Square
- Stem Description:
- Square and winged.
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Landscape:
- Landscape Location:
- Houseplants
- Design Feature:
- Accent
- Barrier
- Foundation Planting
- Hedge
- Specimen
- Problems:
- Contact Dermatitis
- Frequent Disease Problems
- Frequent Insect Problems
- Poisonous to Humans
- Problem for Cats
- Problem for Dogs
- Problem for Horses
-
-
Poisonous to Humans:
- Poison Severity:
- Low
- Poison Symptoms:
- CAUSES ONLY LOW TOXICITY IF EATEN. SKIN IRRITATION MINOR OR LASTING ONLY FOR A FEW MINUTES. Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, dizziness, convulsions, respiratory failure; contact with cell sap may cause skin irritation
- Poison Toxic Principle:
- Steroidal alkaloids
- Causes Contact Dermatitis:
- Yes
- Poison Part:
- Leaves
