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.
Habitat
Rich moist forest understory, often near streams in eastern North America
Diet
Early spring flowers provide nectar for queen bumblebees and early bees
How common
Uncommon
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