Japanese Boxwood, Box-leaved Holly (alternate), Littleleaf Box
Kingdom: Plantae, Division: Tracheophyta, Class: Magnoliopsida, Order: Buxales, Family: Buxaceae, Genus: Buxus, Species: Buxus microphylla · Buxaceae (Boxwood family) · Simple, evergreen
Species
Buxus microphylla
Leaf Type
Simple, evergreen
Family
Buxaceae (Boxwood family)
Shape
Elliptical to obovate with an entire margin and rounded or slightly notched apex
Size
Approximately 0.5 to 1 inch (1.2 to 2.5 cm) long, typical for mature dwarf species
Margin
Entire, smooth, slightly revolute (rolled downward edges)
Arrangement
Opposite
Rarity
Very Common in cultivation and landscaping, though wild populations can be localized
Color & Pattern
Vibrant medium to dark green upper surface with a lighter, matte undersurface; no prominent patterns or variegation
Venation Pattern
Pinnate, though veins are subtle and largely obscured by the thick leaf texture except for a prominent midrib
Texture & Surface
Coriaceous (leathery), glabrous (smooth), and glossy on the upper adaxial surface
Description
A dense, multi-stemmed evergreen shrub featuring small, tightly packed leathery leaves that create a lush, compact canopy. It is widely favored for topiary and formal hedges due to its ability to tolerate severe pruning and retain deep green color year-round.
Key Features
Opposite, small, rounded obovate leaves with a leathery texture, entire margins, and square-shaped young stems that are typical of the Buxaceae family
Habitat
Thrives in full sun to partial shade, adaptable to various well-draining soil types, often used in cultivated landscapes, gardens, and urban settings
Geographic Range
Native to Japan and parts of Asia, widely cultivated globally as an ornamental hedge plant in temperate and subtropical zones
Condition Notes
Good condition; foliage appears dense, healthy, and uniformly green with minimal sign of disease or insect damage
Interesting Facts
Boxwood wood is extremely dense and heavy, historically used for intricate woodcarvings, musical instruments like flutes, and chess pieces
Medicinal & Uses
Primarily used as an ornamental landscape shrub for hedges and topiary; historically, extracts were used in traditional medicine, but modern use is limited due to toxicity
Ecological Role
Provides dense nesting cover and protection for small birds and insects; limited food value for wildlife due to toxic compounds
Similar Species
English Boxwood (Buxus sempervirens), which generally features slightly larger leaves and a taller growth habit
Foraging Tips
Look for cultivated hedges, formal gardens, and historic properties where boxwoods are frequently planted as borders
Toxicity Warning
Moderately to Highly Toxic; contains steroidal alkaloids such as buxine that can cause vomiting, diarrhea, tremors, and convulsions if ingested by humans or pets