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Common Name: Japanese Spurge

General Information

Pachysandra terminalis is an evergreen shrub that can grow up to 0.20 metres tall.
It is harvested from the wild for local use as a food and source of materials.

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

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Range

E. Asia - China, Japan.

Habitat

Moist deciduous woods in valleys and low mountains to 2000 metres[, ].

Properties

Edibility Rating
Habit	Evergreen Shrub
Height	0.20 m
Growth Rate	Medium
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

A very tolerant plant, it thrives in any moist well-drained soil[, ]. Easily grown in a loose leafy soil succeeding in dry shade[] and tolerating drought once it is established[]. Grows well under trees[]. Dislikes dry soils, full sun and strong winds[]. Prefers a lime-free soil[] according to one report whilst another says that it succeeds in acid and alkaline soils[].
Hardy to about -25°c[].
Plants are monoecious and rarely if ever produce fruit in cultivation[, ].
The flowers have a pleasant sweet fragrance[].
At least one named form has been selected for its ornamental value[].

Edible Uses

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

Medicinal

None known

Other Uses

A very useful ground cover plant for a shady position, spreading by means of underground runners[, ]. A vigorous grower, but it is not too invasive[].It grows well in the shade of shrubs[].

Propagation

Seed - we have no information on this species but suggest sowing the seed in a cold frame as soon as it is ripe if this is possible, otherwise sow it in late winter. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots when they are large enough to handle and grow on in a shady part of the greenhouse or cold frame. Plant out in early summer of the following year.
Cuttings of half-ripe wood, 4 - 7cm long taken at a node, early summer - August in a shady position in a frame[].
Division in spring[]. Very easy, larger divisions can be planted out direct into their permanent positions. We have found that it is better to pot up the smaller divisions and grow them on in light shade in a cold frame until they are well established before planting them out in late spring or early summer[].