Leatherwood
Dirca palustris
Last reviewed: June 2026
Dirca palustris (Leatherwood) is a native deciduous shrub found throughout eastern North America that blooms with small yellow flowers in March and April before leaves emerge.
Light
part shade
Water
medium
Size
48"–120" H × 48"–120" W
Bloom
Mar, Apr
Native to
AL, CT, DE, FL and 27 more states
Pollinators
bees, flies
Browse plants for this ecoregion
Leatherwood is a rare native shrub with distinctive yellow flowers that bloom in early spring before the leaves emerge. It has smooth gray bark and oval leaves that turn yellow in fall, creating a naturally rounded form.
Growing Leatherwood
Grow Leatherwood in part shade and medium water. Mature plants reach 48 to 120 inches tall and spread 48 to 120 inches wide. Expect low maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.
In an HOA neighborhood
Leatherwood takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: low. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
Works well in: backyard only.
- Looks bare and sparse when dormant
- Informal woodland appearance
- Can appear unkempt without leaves
Wildlife value
The early spring flowers provide nectar for bees and flies when few other sources are available. The flexible branches and dense growth provide nesting sites for birds.
Common questions
- When does Leatherwood bloom?
- Dirca palustris blooms in March and April, producing small yellow flowers before the leaves emerge in early spring.
- What pollinators visit Leatherwood?
- Bees and flies are the primary pollinators that visit Dirca palustris flowers during its early spring bloom period.
- Where is Leatherwood native?
- Leatherwood is native to eastern North America, ranging from Maine south to Florida and west to Minnesota, Iowa, Missouri, Oklahoma, and Louisiana.
- What growing conditions does Leatherwood prefer?
- Dirca palustris grows best in partial shade to shade with medium to high moisture levels, making it suitable for woodland gardens and naturalized areas.
- Is Leatherwood HOA-friendly?
- Leatherwood takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.
Native range data from the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
Ready to grow Leatherwood? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
Not sure where to start? Take the 2-minute yard quiz