Buxaceae is the scientific name of a family of plants that includes boxwoods. Synonyms for Buxaceae include the boxwood family and boxwood plants. Boxwood plants are known for their dense evergreen foliage and their use as hedges in landscaping. They are popular in formal gardens but are also used in naturalistic plantings. Boxwoods are native to Europe, Asia, and Africa and have been cultivated for centuries. They are slow-growing shrubs that are tolerant of pruning and shaping. Other plant families that are related to Buxaceae include Aquifoliaceae (holly), Celastraceae (spindle tree), and Rhamnaceae (buckthorn).