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Truetree Boxwood Buxus sempervirens 'Arborescens'

Other Common Name(s):

Phonetic Spelling
BUK-sus sem-per-VEE-renz
This plant has low severity poison characteristics.
See below
Description

Tree boxwood 'Arborescens', is an upright, woody, broadleaf, evergreen, perennial shrub or tree in the Buxaceae (boxwood) family. The common name of boxwood refers to the wood used to make carved decorative boxes. Another etymology is that boxwood describes the square stems of its young plants.

Location and maintenance of this plant can have an effect on its health. The tree boxwood will grow in morning sun or partial shade. Plants grown in full shade will be less than desired, having decreased foliage. In afternoon sun the foliage may scorch, turn brown in winter, and suffer from mite attacks. Boxwood tolerates a variety of soil textures as long as they drain well and the pH level is acidic or neutral. Limit cultivation around its shallow roots and protect them with a layer of mulch. Also protect them from winter winds which can cause dehydration and bronzing of the leaves. 

Tree boxwood 'Arborescens' is tolerant of pruning, however, pruning should be done after the last frost. Pruning will lead to tender new shoots, which can be damaged by a late frost. Propagate boxwood by stem cutting. 

Being a medium to large shrub, tree boxwood is ideal for shaping into a ball or cone for use as a hedge or topiary. Its dense, tree-like growth, and large, long leaves also make it a good screening plant for large areas. Plant in small groups or as a mass planting sheered into a privacy hedge in a formal English or cottage garden, or use it along a walkway to direct garden visitors.

Quick ID Hints:

  • Stems are green and square with distinct edges.
  • The bark is green to light gray.
  • Length of the leaves can be one to three inches.

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: Tree boxwood can be a problem for cats, dogs, and horses if consumed. It can lead to vomiting and diarrhea in cats and dogs; colic, diarrhea, respiratory failure, and seizures for horses.

The Clemson Cooperative Extension Home and Garden Information Center has a factsheet on common boxwood insect pests and diseases.

VIDEO Created by Elizabeth Meyer for "Trees, Shrubs and Conifers" a plant identification course offered in partnership with Longwood Gardens.

More information on Buxus sempervirens.

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Cultivars / Varieties:
Tags:
#evergreen#small tree#full sun tolerant#small spaces#woody#winter interest#cottage garden#rabbit resistant#mass planting#topiary#deer resistant#English garden#screening#walkway planting#small group plantings#partial shade tolerant#problem for cats#problem for dogs#problem for horses#shearing#pruning tolerant#perennial#hedge
 
Cultivars / Varieties:
Tags:
#evergreen#small tree#full sun tolerant#small spaces#woody#winter interest#cottage garden#rabbit resistant#mass planting#topiary#deer resistant#English garden#screening#walkway planting#small group plantings#partial shade tolerant#problem for cats#problem for dogs#problem for horses#shearing#pruning tolerant#perennial#hedge
  • Attributes:
    Genus:
    Buxus
    Species:
    sempervirens
    Family:
    Buxaceae
    Life Cycle:
    Woody
    Recommended Propagation Strategy:
    Stem Cutting
    Particularly Resistant To (Insects/Diseases/Other Problems):
    Deer resistant
    Dimensions:
    Height: 8 ft. 0 in. - 15 ft. 0 in.
    Width: 8 ft. 0 in. - 10 ft. 0 in.
  • Whole Plant Traits:
    Plant Type:
    Perennial
    Shrub
    Tree
    Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
    Broadleaf Evergreen
    Habit/Form:
    Dense
    Erect
    Multi-stemmed
    Rounded
    Growth Rate:
    Medium
    Maintenance:
    Medium
    Texture:
    Medium
  • Cultural Conditions:
    Light:
    Full sun (6 or more hours of direct sunlight a day)
    Partial Shade (Direct sunlight only part of the day, 2-6 hours)
    Soil Texture:
    Clay
    Loam (Silt)
    Sand
    Soil pH:
    Acid (<6.0)
    Neutral (6.0-8.0)
    Soil Drainage:
    Good Drainage
    Available Space To Plant:
    6-feet-12 feet
    NC Region:
    Coastal
    Mountains
    Piedmont
    USDA Plant Hardiness Zone:
    5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b
  • Fruit:
    Fruit Color:
    Brown/Copper
    Display/Harvest Time:
    Fall
    Fruit Type:
    Capsule
    Fruit Length:
    < 1 inch
    Fruit Width:
    < 1 inch
    Fruit Description:
    Globose, 1/3 inch dehiscent capsule that matures to brown.
  • Flowers:
    Flower Color:
    Cream/Tan
    Gold/Yellow
    Flower Inflorescence:
    Insignificant
    Flower Bloom Time:
    Spring
    Flower Size:
    < 1 inch
    Flower Description:
    Non-showy
  • Leaves:
    Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
    Broadleaf Evergreen
    Leaf Color:
    Green
    Leaf Feel:
    Smooth
    Leaf Value To Gardener:
    Long-lasting
    Leaf Type:
    Simple
    Leaf Arrangement:
    Opposite
    Leaf Shape:
    Elliptical
    Oblong
    Ovate
    Leaf Margin:
    Entire
    Hairs Present:
    No
    Leaf Length:
    1-3 inches
    Leaf Width:
    < 1 inch
    Leaf Description:
    Opposite, dark green, lustrous leaves that are twice as long as wide with pinnate venation. May develop an orange-green cast in winter.
  • Bark:
    Bark Color:
    Green
    Light Gray
  • Stem:
    Stem Color:
    Green
    Stem Is Aromatic:
    No
  • Landscape:
    Landscape Location:
    Small Space
    Walkways
    Landscape Theme:
    Cottage Garden
    English Garden
    Winter Garden
    Design Feature:
    Hedge
    Mass Planting
    Screen/Privacy
    Small groups
    Small Tree
    Resistance To Challenges:
    Deer
    Rabbits
    Problems:
    Problem for Cats
    Problem for Dogs
    Problem for Horses
  • Poisonous to Humans:
    Poison Severity:
    Low
    Poison Symptoms:
    Dogs and cats: vomiting, diarrhea; Horses: colic, diarrhea, respiratory failure, seizures
    Poison Toxic Principle:
    Alkaloids
    Causes Contact Dermatitis:
    No