How much sun does Western leatherwood need?

Western leatherwood grows best in part shade conditions.

When does Western leatherwood bloom?

Western leatherwood blooms in January, February, and March.

Where is Western leatherwood native?

Western leatherwood (Dirca occidentalis) is native to CA, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).

What pollinators does Western leatherwood attract?

Western leatherwood draws bees.

Western leatherwood

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Dirca occidentalis

Last reviewed: October 2026

Western leatherwood (Dirca occidentalis) is a perennial shrub native to CA. It blooms in January, February, and March. The flowers draw bees.

Toxicity unknown

Western leatherwood (Dirca occidentalis) is not listed by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) or the other sources we check, so we have no verdict for it either way. Absence from those lists is not a clearance. If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.

Light

part shade

Water

medium

Size

36"–96" H × 36"–72" W

Bloom

Jan, Feb, Mar

Native to

Pollinators

bees

Before you buy

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Browse plants for this ecoregion

Coast Range Central California Foothills and Coastal Mountains

A rounded deciduous shrub with flexible, leathery twigs and small pale yellow flowers that appear on bare branches in late winter before the leaves. Red berries follow in summer.

Growing Western leatherwood

Grow Western leatherwood in part shade and medium water. Mature plants reach 36 to 96 inches tall and spread 36 to 72 inches wide.

Wildlife value

Late-winter flowers offer an early nectar source for bees when few other plants are blooming.

Common questions

How much sun does Western leatherwood need?: Western leatherwood grows best in part shade conditions.
When does Western leatherwood bloom?: Western leatherwood blooms in January, February, and March.
Where is Western leatherwood native?: Western leatherwood (Dirca occidentalis) is native to CA, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
What pollinators does Western leatherwood attract?: Western leatherwood draws bees.

Native range data from the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew). Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

If something looks wrong

Common plant problems, and what to check first

These come up on almost any plant. Each guide lists the likely causes in the order they are worth ruling out, with one thing to check before you act on any of them, and links to the source it came from.

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