shade plant or weed ID - Ask Extension
I found a patch of these plants on a very shady hillside while I was clearing the area from vines. What is it? They're an interesting shape and th...
Knowledgebase
shade plant or weed ID #137263
Asked June 27, 2013, 3:41 PM EDT
I found a patch of these plants on a very shady hillside while I was clearing the area from vines. What is it? They're an interesting shape and they are starting to bloom. Wondering if I should keep them or are they an invasive weed (like a lot of my landscape).
Prince George's County Maryland
Expert Response
The plant appears to be Pachysandra terminalis. This is the Japanese variety which forms a dense stand and is commonly used as a groundcover in landscapes. It is sometimes invasive because it elbows-out native plants. To determine if it is considered an invasive in your county, I suggest you contact your local Extension office, or write your state Master Gardener coordinator: http://www.extension.org/pages/9925/state-and-provincial-master-gardener-programs:-extension-and-affiliated-program-listings#Maine
