Mountain Lover

Mountain Lover (Paxistima myrsinites) also known as Oregon Boxwood is a quiet workhorse in the native plant palette—tough, tidy, and surprisingly elegant. With its glossy evergreen leaves and neat, low-growing form, it makes an excellent groundcover for woodland edges, dry shade, or under the dappled canopy of native conifers. It’s equally at home anchoring a formal native garden or softening the base of boulders in naturalistic designs.

This shrub earns its name by thriving in high-elevation mountain environments, but don't let its alpine origin fool you—it’s adaptable to lower elevations and varied soil conditions too. Bonus: while its blooms are small, their rich maroon color and early-spring timing offer subtle interest and food for emerging pollinators. Whether you're filling in shady patches or looking for a native evergreen alternative to boxwood, Mountain Lover brings understated charm with serious staying power.