Leatherwood is a woodland shrub grown horticulturally for hundreds of years as a collector’s plant. Palustris means ‘growing in a swamp.’ This plant is very adaptable to wet soils and woodland-type shade. Small yellow flowers are produced in March and April just before the leaves emerge. The fruit ripens in May and June. Birds love them, so they are gone quick! Leaves are shiny green and a little fuzzy underneath, and are held alternately on the greenish-yellow stems.
Native Plant Database
Header Photo: Mervin Wallace
Leatherwood
Dirca palustris
Plant Type: Shrubs
Native Environment: Forest
Season of Interest: Mid (May - June)
Main Color: Green
Fall Color: Yellow
USDA PLANTS Range Map
At the range map link above, zoom in for county-level data
Sun Exposure
Shade
Soil
Moisture
Moderate, High
Nature Attracting
Wildlife Benefit
Food/Birds, Nesting
Animal
Resistance
Size
Height:
4 to
7
feet
Spread:
3 to
7
feet
Size
Height: 4 to
7
feet
Spread: 3 to
7
feet
Size
Height: 4 to
7
feet
Spread: 3 to
7
feet
Typical Landscape Use
Extremely bendable stems were used to make rope and baskets and thongs by Native Americans.
Establishment and Care Instructions
Can grow in swamps,great on pond edges or wet areas. Rich, moist woods or any good garden soil in the shade will be great for leatherwood. Slow growing shrub,but very long lived.Nearly insect and disease free.
Special Features
Interesting Bark
Special Usage
Basic Description
Where Should I Start?
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What’s the Next Step?
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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.