leatherwood
Noun 1. A deciduous shrub (Dirca palustris) native to eastern North America, characterized by its exceptionally tough and flexible branches, pliable bark, and small yellow flowers. 2. A shrub or small tree (Cyrilla racemiflora) native to the southeastern United States, the West Indies, and Brazil, cultivated for its slender racemes of white flowers and its orange and crimson autumn foliage.
- The leatherwood is a unique understory shrub; its branches are so pliable they can be tied in knots without breaking.
- Botanists study the leatherwood for its remarkable bark, which was historically used by indigenous peoples for cordage.
- In the fall, the swamp leatherwood () provides a stunning display of color.
- The term is primarily used in botanical, horticultural, and ecological contexts to refer specifically to these two plant species.
- The name "leatherwood" is a direct descriptor of the plant's physical property, emphasizing the leather-like toughness and flexibility of its stems.
- Common Names: Eastern leatherwood, ropebark, wicopy (for ). Swamp leatherwood, titi, red titi (for ).
- Botanical Genus: , .
- For : moosewood, wicopy.
- For : swamp cyrilla, he-huckleberry.
The word "leatherwood" refers to two distinct botanical species. The primary meaning in temperate North America is Dirca palustris, noted for its flexible wood. In the southeastern US coastal plains, it more commonly refers to Cyrilla racemiflora, noted for its ornamental flowers and foliage. Context (geographic or descriptive) usually clarifies which plant is intended.
- deciduous shrub of eastern North America having tough flexible branches and pliable bark and small yellow flowers
- shrub or small tree of southeastern United States to West Indies and Brazil; grown for the slender racemes of white flowers and orange and crimson foliage