The Dawes Arboretum

Common name: Canby paxistima, cliff-green, mountain-lover

Family: Celastraceae (bittersweet family)

Distribution: e.-c. United States

Habitat: Limestone cliffs, shaded banks, dry gravelly soils; of conservation concern; 0–600 m

IUCN Red list: Vulnerable

Regional red list: Ohio Endangered Species

Hardiness: USDA Zone 3

Life form: Evergreen shrub

Comments: A relatively unknown, under-used, spreading evergreen groundcover or sub-shrub. In fall the dark green foliage turns bronze. Insignificant flowers are small, greenish white and produced on pendent spikes. Growing 12-16" tall it makes a great, slow, groundcover for the woodland or larger rock gardens. Best to plant in humus-rich, moist, acid or alkaline soil in shade.