Dirca palustris (Eastern Leatherwood)

Botanical Information

FamilyThymelaeaceae
GenusDirca
Speciespalustris
CategoryWoody
TypeShrub (deciduous)
OriginNative to the eastern half of North America.
Ethnobotanical Uses
Disclaimer		The bark can be woven into a rope while young shoots may be woven into baskets. Bark, fruit and roots are toxic.

Details

USDA Hardiness Zone3 - 9
USDA Hardiness Ref.
Canadian Hardiness Zone1a - Requires cool season protection under glass.
Canada Hardiness Ref.
RHS Hardiness ZoneH3 - H7
RHS Hardiness Ref.
Temperature (°C)-40 - (-1)
Temperature (°F)-40 - 30
Height1 - 2 m
Spread1 - 2 m
GrowthSlow
Flowering PeriodMarch, April

Description and Growing Information

General DescriptionA small deciduous shrub with yellow flowers and leaves that emerge yellow, mature to green, and then fade back to a bright yellow in autumn.
LandscapeExcellent addition to a woodland garden, or for a pond margin.
CultivationGrow in partial or full shade in a rich, moist soil that is never allowed to dry out. Full sun may damage the leaves and is likely to ruin the autumn colouring.
PestsNo serious insect or disease problems.
Notable SpecimensClark Wright Conservation Area, Caradoc Township, Ontario, Canada. The A.M. Cuddy Gardnes, Strathroy, Ontario, Canada.
HabitatForest understory.
Bark/Stem DescriptionLeathery bark with pliable twigs, occasionally causing allergic reactions.
Leaf DescriptionLeaves grow to approximately 10 cm long, emerging yellow, maturing to green, and then turning to a bright yellow in autumn.
Flower DescriptionFlowers are bell-shaped, less than 1 cm in length, and are a bright yellow, appearing in clusters in early spring before the foliage emerges.
Fruit DescriptionFruit is a green drupe, 1.3 cm in diameter.

Photographs