this is a deer proof plant and spreads through underground roots or rhizomes, is evergreen and seems to be native at our southern gulf island property
That would be Daphne laureola, "A gardening favourite and a bird’s delight, spurge-laurel (Daphne laureola) is a seemingly harmless plant that resembles the Pacific rhododendron; however, this invasive plant grows rapidly, out-competes native vegetation, and poses a serious health risk to people and pets for its poisonous sap." Weed of the Week: Daphne/Spurge-laurel It is native to Britain and much of Europe. If it is growing in your garden, try to pull it out when it is small because it becomes very difficult to remove as the years go by . . . and as it grows old enough to produce flowers and seeds, that just compounds the problem.
