Buxus sempervirens, the common box, the European box or the boxwood, is a species of flowering plant in the genus Buxus, native to western and southern Europe, northwestern Africa and southwestern Asia, from southern England to northern Morocco and eastward through the northern Mediterranean region to Turkey. The trees prefer moist, well-drained soil and partial sunlight. Most tree varieties thrive in colder climates, although some types can tolerate warmer conditions. In general, boxwood is quite adaptable and can survive drought conditions, as long as it spends most of the day in a shaded area.
The common box is a slow-growing evergreen tree. Mature trees can grow to a height of 12 m. They have a compact habit, with smooth gray bark that cracks with age and green, fluffy stems. The common box belongs to the genus Buxus and is a member of the Box family (Buxaceae).
