Connecticut Plants
Leatherwood
Dirca palustris
Leatherwood gets its name from the fact that the twigs bend but are difficult to break, a result of the fibrous, elastic bark. It is the sole member of the daphne family that is native to eastern U.S.
- Family: daphne (Thymelaeaceae)
- Habitat: rich, moist woods
- Height: 3 to 6 feet
- Flower size: 3/8 inch long
- Flower color: pale yellow
- Flowering time: April
- Origin: native

Leatherwood blooms before the leaves have fully emerged. Photographed in Berks County, Pennsylvania in mid-April.

Photographed in a garden in Bucks County, Pennsylvania in mid-April.

Photographed in New Haven County in mid-May.

Unripe fruits of leatherwood. When ripe, they are yellow-green. Photographed in New Haven County in mid-May.