Small-leaved Box (Buxus microphylla) — identification, habitat & look-alikes

Small-leaved Box is a compact evergreen shrub often clipped into hedges in U.S. gardens. Its tiny paired leaves help separate it from Japanese holly (Ilex crenata), another familiar hedge shrub. It is also called littleleaf boxwood.

Appearance

Growth form: In North Carolina, this slow-growing shrub is usually about 3–4 ft (0.9–1.2 m) tall.
Leaves: The small, leathery leaves sit opposite each other on the stem; some have a shallow notch at the tip.
Flowers: Small, inconspicuous flowers appear in spring.
Fruit: Its small brown capsules split open when mature.

Look-alikes

Japanese hollyIlex crenata

Look along a twig: boxwood leaves come in opposite pairs, while Japanese holly leaves alternate. Holly leaves also have tiny rounded teeth.

Why they get mixed upBoth are clipped into dense evergreen hedges.

Common boxwoodBuxus sempervirens

Common boxwood (Buxus sempervirens) often has larger, darker leaves and can grow much taller when left unpruned. Cultivars vary, so one close-up photo may not settle the species.

Why they get mixed upBoth are boxwoods used in U.S. gardens.

Korean boxwoodBuxus sinica insularis

Both have small opposite leaves, and garden cultivars overlap. A leaf photo may not settle the name; check a reliable plant label or planting record.

Why they get mixed upOlder U.S. guides grouped Korean boxwood (Buxus sinica insularis) under small-leaved boxwood.

Three small-leaved evergreen hedge plants

	Leaf arrangement	Clue to check
Small-leaved Box	Opposite pairs	Small leaves; tips sometimes notched
Japanese holly	Alternate	Tiny rounded teeth on leaf edges
Common boxwood	Opposite pairs	Usually larger, darker leaves; cultivars overlap
Korean boxwood	Opposite pairs	Small leaves; cultivars overlap

Where it lives

Typical habitats: Gardens
Hedges
Range: Native to Japan, it is grown in U.S. landscapes, including North Carolina and Arkansas.
Preferred conditions: In North Carolina, it grows in sun or partial shade and does best in well-drained soil. It suits USDA hardiness zones 6a–9b.

Growing it

Care: It takes pruning well and is grown as a hedge, edging, or .

Name and classification

Varieties and forms: Compact garden selections include 'Compacta' and 'Green Pillow'.

Conservation

IUCN Red List: LCLeast ConcernLow risk of extinction

11 sources