Common Box
Buxus sempervirens
- Native to:
- Albania, Algeria, Austria, Belgium, Corse, France, Germany, Greece, Iran, Italy, Libya, Morocco, North Caucasus, NW. Balkan Pen., Portugal, Sardegna, Spain, Switzerland, Transcaucasus, Türkiye, Türkiye-in-Europe
Photo (c)2007 Derek Ramsey ( Ram-Man (en.wikipedia.org) )
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Buxaceae
- Genus:
- Buxus
- Species:
- Buxus sempervirens
- USDA Symbol:
- BUSE2
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Growth Habit:
- Shrub , Tree
- Height:
- 450 cm
- Light Requirements:
- Full Sun
- Drought Tolerance:
- Medium
- Bloom Months:
- mar,apr,may
- Bloom Colors:
- green, yellow
- Landscaping Shrub:
- Yes
Wildlife Benefits
- Bees:
- ★☆☆☆☆ Documented bee visitation (GBIF)
- Caterpillars:
- ★☆☆☆☆ Recorded caterpillar host plant (HOSTS Database)
Host Plant for Caterpillars
Banded Tussock Moth (Halysidota tessellaris), Fall webworm (Hyphantria cunea)
Garden & Ecology Notes
- Wildlife Value:
- birds
- Deer Resistant:
- Yes
- Fragrant:
- Yes
Soil Requirements
- Soil Type:
- rich, well-drained loamy soil
- pH:
- 6.0 - 7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)
- Drainage:
- excellent drainage required
- Moisture:
- dry to moderate
- Notes:
- native to limestone areas, prefers calcareous soils
Propagation & Germination
- Stratification:
- Cold/moist stratification required — 30–90 days
- Germination Time:
- 30–180 days
- Notes:
- Germination is slow and erratic. Seeds require cold stratification and may take several months to germinate. Fresh seed germinates more readily than stored seed.