Oregon Boxleaf, False Box, Mountainlover

This broadleaf evergreen is native to all of Utah, at elevations of ~ 5,000 feet and above. It is most commonly found much higher than th...Read Moreat though. This far south they will only grow in full shade - mostly shade, and you won’t find them in open, or sunny locations ever. They are extremely common in densely forested, moist, mountain valleys, and hillsides. From the Idaho border in the north, to the Arizona border in the south. This plant is very attractive, and is very reminiscent of a plant you would find in Chile, or Argentina. The new growth comes out lime green, and contrasts very nicely with the deep green old growth. The flowers are very inconspicuous, but up close they are gorgeous and tropical-esque. They are star shaped, deep maroon color, with bright neon yellow reproductive parts. They can grow to be 3.5, to occasionally 4 feet tall here in very moist, protected sites. But are more commonly around 24 - 30” inches tall. They do grow in warmer places than zone 7b, like is stated here on here. I have seen them growing in some mountainous zone 8a, & 8b locations in S. Utah, and Arizona. Gorgeous native plant!

This plant is native to the U.S., Mexico and British Columbia. It can be grown in light shade to full sun. It is an
evergreen (...Read Moresmall) shrub with spreading branches. Flowers are maroon and small and located at the nodes of the stem. They appear in spring. Prefers well-drained soil.