Carolina Nature

Trees, Shrubs, and Woody Vines of North Carolina

Eastern Leatherwood (Dirca palustris)

Plantae>Magnoliophyta>Magnoliopsida>Malvales>Thymelaeaceae>Dirca palustris L.

Eastern Leatherwood (Dirca palustris) leaves

A rare shrub of stream margins and other wet habitats. The alternate, roundish leaves are simple and entire.

Buck Creek, Clay Co., NC 5/21/05.

Eastern Leatherwood (Dirca palustris) flowers

Flowers are twinned. Only the youngest leaves are hairy.

Person Co., NC 4/1/06.

Eastern Leatherwood (Dirca palustris) fruits

Developing drupes.

Person Co., NC 4/1/06.

Eastern Leatherwood (Dirca palustris) shrub

Habit.

Person Co., NC 4/1/06.

Eastern Leatherwood (Dirca palustris)

The twigs are distinctive.

Person Co., NC 4/1/06.

Eastern Leatherwood (Dirca palustris) twigs

Leatherwood is named for its pliant, nearly unbreakable twigs.

Person Co., NC 4/1/06.

Eastern Leatherwood (Dirca palustris) bark

Bark of a small shrub.

Person Co., NC 4/1/06.

Eastern Leatherwood (Dirca palustris) bark

The bark generally has a golden hue.

Person Co., NC 4/1/06.

More information:
Missouri Plants
Poisonous Plants of NC
University of Connecticut

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