Pachysandra terminalis, the Japanese pachysandra,[1] carpet box[2] or Japanese spurge, is a species of flowering plant in the boxwood family Buxaceae, native to Japan, Korea and China and introduced to eastern North America.

It is a suitable lower plant for container gardening, and shaded or "northside" window boxes.

It takes about three years to establish a solid groundcover in suitable climates, when new plantings are spaced 15–30 cm (6–12 in) apart.

A humus amended loam (acidic pH) soil, with regular organic fertilizer applications and watering-rainfall is optimal.

However, the plant is tolerant of neutral to slightly alkaline pH soils, and to periodic dryness, especially in humid and non-arid climates.