Allegheny pachysandra is a native groundcover for all landscapes
Japanese pachysandra (Pachysandra terminalis) is a common groundcover used in many landscape situations. Non-native and invasive, it is also susceptible to Volutella blight, a fungal disease that causes leaves to turn brown and drop, potentially killing the groundcover.
However, did you know that there is a species of pachysandra that could be used in place of the common, Japanese variety?
The native Allegheny pachysandra (Pachysandra procumbens), commonly called Allegheny spurge, is an excellent choice as a groundcover to replace Japanese pachysandra. Allegheny pachysandra also is a strong native woodland plant that can serve as a substitute for other non-native groundcovers such as English ivy (Hedera helix), periwinkle (Vinca spp.), and monkey grass (Liriope spp.).
Primarily a species of the southeastern United States, Allegheny pachysandra reaches the northern limit of its native range in southeastern counties of Pennsylvania; however, it has been naturalized via plantings in other areas. It is considered hardy in USDA Zones 5 through 9. Allegheny pachysandra is considered deciduous in Zones 5 and 6, but is evergreen to semi-evergreen in warmer areas. Its chances of remaining evergreen increase if it is protected from the harsh desiccating north winds of winter.
The toothed leaves are mottled with light greenish-silver blotches. It spreads slowly on long rhizomes to form a dense groundcover approximately 6 to12 inches high. It blooms before the new leaves form in the spring, generally from March to early May.
Its small, white to pale pink flowers are arrayed on spikes rising 2 to 4 inches above the foliage. The flowers are fragrant and attractive to early spring pollinators.
Allegheny pachysandra is adaptable to a variety of soils, pH and moisture levels but prefers acidic, rich, moist, well-drained soils. Once established, it will tolerate drought. It does not tolerate full sun, preferring dappled shade. It will even grow in heavy shade. This native is rabbit and deer resistant. Allegheny pachysandra is also less susceptible to Volutella blight than Japanese pachysandra.
To establish Allegheny pachysandra as a groundcover in your landscape, begin by planting your starter plants 6 to 12 inches apart. They will spread slowly to form colonies. Once established, you can propagate from division or root cuttings to create new planting areas.
To reduce the chance of blight, increase air circulation among the plants by periodically thinning the colony. Also, avoid wet foliage by watering the soil, not the leaves. If evidence of leaf blight is noted, a fungicide can be used to control the spread. Allegheny pachysandra is bothered by a few pests, primarily slugs, aphids, scale and mites.
If you have questions about Allegheny pachysandra, disease and pest control, or using native plants in your landscape, contact the Penn State Extension Master Gardeners of Butler County Garden Hotline at 724-287 4761, ext. 7, or email the Master Gardeners at butlermg@psu.edu.
Mary Alice Koeneke is a Penn State Extension Butler County Master Gardener.
