American boxwood is a broadly rounded, multi-branched, evergreen shrub or small tree in the Buxaceae (boxwood) family, native to western and southern Europe, western Asia, and northern Africa. American boxwood is shallow rooted and adapts to a wide range of light and soil conditions. It works well as a vertical accent plant, in mixed beds, as topiary, or to form a narrow hedge. Being evergreen, it provides winter interest in the garden.