About Paxistima myrsinites (Pursh) Raf.
Paxistima myrsinites (Pursh) Raf. is a low-growing, prostrate or spreading evergreen shrub that reaches a maximum height of 1 metre (3 ft 3 in). Its stems produce many four-angled branches, lined with oppositely arranged oval leaves that are roughly 1 to 3 centimetres (0.39 to 1.18 in) long. The leaves are thick, leathery, toothed, and can have either pointed or rounded tips. New growth leaves are light green, while mature leaves become shiny dark green. Blossoming takes place between June and August. Inflorescences grow from leaf axils, producing either a single flower or a cluster of up to three flowers. The small, flat flowers have four dark red oval petals around 1 millimetre (0.039 in) long. The fruit is an oblong capsule less than 1 centimetre (0.39 in) long, which usually holds one seed in each of its two valves. The seed is dark, shiny, and partially covered by a white aril. This shrub can reproduce by seed, and can also be propagated from cuttings. In the wild, this shrub is an important food source for wild animals: elk and moose browse its evergreen leaves during winter, and it is also eaten by grouse. Native American groups have used Paxistima myrsinites for a variety of medicinal and ceremonial purposes.
