Leatherwood (Dirca Palustris) is a perennial shrub in the Thymelaeaceae family with moderate care difficulty. It requires moderate watering and full shade or partial shade light in USDA hardiness zones 3-8. This plant is toxic to cats and dogs — keep it out of reach of pets.

Dirca palustris is a small deciduous shrub native to eastern North America, known for its tough, flexible branches and early spring yellow flowers.

Leatherwood

Leatherwood

Dirca Palustris

Dirca palustris is a small deciduous shrub native to eastern North America, known for its tough, flexible branches and early spring yellow flowers.

Quick Facts

Type
shrub
Lifecycle
perennial
Care Difficulty
Moderate
Water Needs
Moderate
Light
Full Shade, Partial Shade
Hardiness Zones
3-8

Safety

⚠️
Not Pet Safe
⚠️
Not Child Safe
☠️
Toxic

Growing Conditions

Soil Types:loamy, sandy, clay
Indoor:No
Outdoor:Yes
Garden Use:understory shrub, ornamental, pollinator support

Care Calendar

Monthly care tasks for Leatherwood

Jan
Prune
Feb
Fertilize
Mar
Repot
Apr
Water+
May
...
Jun
...
Jul
...
Aug
...
Sep
...
Oct
...
Nov
...
Dec
...

Expert Care Tips

Pro tips from botanists and plant experts

Watering Tip

Check soil moisture by inserting your finger 1 inch deep. Water only when the top layer feels dry to prevent overwatering.

Humidity Trick

Group plants together to create...

Growth Hack

Rotate your plant every...

Photo Gallery10+ photos

Leatherwood
Leatherwood detail

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Taxonomy

Family:Thymelaeaceae
Genus:Dirca