A rare suckering shrub found in the bootheel of Missouri. Showy catkins (flowers) appear in early spring followed by thick, shiny green leaves. Fall color is yellow. Chartreuse fruit held close to the stems. Bark has showy light colored lenticels (small ‘spots’). Extremely light wood hence the name, is less dense than cork. Separate male and female plants. Difficult to find in the trade.
Native Plant Database
Header Photo: Mervin Wallace
Corkwood
Leitneria floridana
Plant Type: Shrubs
Native Environment: Stream Edge, Wetland
Season of Interest: Late (July - frost), Winter (Nov - Mar)
Main Color: Green
Fall Color: Yellow
USDA PLANTS Range Map
At the range map link above, zoom in for county-level data
Sun Exposure
Full Sun, Medium Sun/Average Shade
Soil
Moisture
Dry, Moderate, High
Nature Attracting
Wildlife Benefit
Cover
Animal
Resistance
Size
Height:
6 to
12
feet
Spread:
8 to
15
feet
Size
Height: 6 to
12
feet
Spread: 8 to
15
feet
Size
Height: 6 to
12
feet
Spread: 8 to
15
feet
Typical Landscape Use
Great for mass planting, hedges or as a screen. Will colonize over time.
Establishment and Care Instructions
Grow in average to wet soil, even in standing/shallow water.
Special Features
Interesting Bark
Special Usage
Basic Description
Where Should I Start?
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Where Can I Find This Plant in Nature?
Learn about the Native Environment(s) inhabited by the plants in this database.