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Dirca palustris

Eastern Leatherwood

Plant Type:

DECIDUOUS SHRUBS

Dirca palustris - Easterm Leatherwood grows into a dense rounded shrub cloaked in elliptical alternate light green leaves with a glaucous underside. On close inspection the flowers are interesting and plentiful. Tubublar florets hang from leaf axils with anthers justting out of the mouth and the pistil even longer sometimes singly, often in pairs and even threes. Early spring flowers are light yellow, not terribly showy but anything that flowers so early in the circadian cycle is worthy in our humble estimation. Generally hard to find in the trade it native haunts are Missouri to Ontario, east to New Brunswick, south to Florida. Not a shrub for dry conditions fertile ground that holds onto moisture or is even wetter is required... just don't drown it! Prefers shade to dappled shade. Though it will tolerate some sun expect it to grow more open and leaves may yellow. Established potted shrub from seed.


Height:

3-6 ft

Spread:

4-5 ft

Colors:

Pale Yellow

Zone:

(3)4 to 9
What is my hardiness zone?

Characteristics and Attributes for Dirca palustris

Season of Interest (Flowering)

  • Early Spring

Season of Interest (Foliage)

  • Spring / Summer / Autumn

Nature Attraction

  • Deer Resistant

Light

  • Shade

Attributes

  • Filler
  • Woodland
  • Wildlife Garden
  • Shrub Border
  • Collector Plant
  • Natural Garden

Growth Rate in the Garden

  • Medium

Soil

  • Fertile
  • Moist

Origins

  • Kansas / Arkansas

Propagated By

  • By Seed / Potted