Boxwood
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(70 species) |
The boxwoods are a genus (Buxus) of about 70 species of evergreen shrubs and trees that are found in Europe, Asia, Africa, and Central America. They are quite commonly used for hedges and topiary, and the dense wood is valued for woodcarving.
Boxwoods have small leaves opposite each other, usually rounded and leathery. The flowers are small and yellow-green, with both sexes present on a plant, and thus boxwoods are usually grown for their foliage.
The most familiar species is Buxus sempervirens, which comes in both "American" and "European" types.
The American Boxwood Society specializes in the study of boxwoods, and has produced a number of publications.
The plants have lent their name to other things, including the Boxwood Festival for flutists.
