Eastern Leatherwood is a rare native shrub of moist, rich forests named for its extraordinarily flexible, leathery stems that were used by indigenous peoples for rope and baskets. It is one of the first shrubs to flower in spring, producing small yellow blossoms before the leaves. It is slow-growing and long-lived but rarely abundant.
Best time to see a Eastern Leatherwood
The best time to see a Eastern Leatherwood is March–May, when about 63% of U.S. sightings happen, based on 4,806 research-grade iNaturalist observations.
Not certain it is a Eastern Leatherwood? What plant is this? walks through what to check first and the lookalikes that catch people out.
Recent Eastern Leatherwood sightings near you
Live, research-grade observations from iNaturalist. Allow location to center the map on you.
Spotted an Eastern Leatherwood?
Point Huck at any plant, bird, or animal and know for sure - plus a live map of where it is being spotted near you.