Quick answer: Eastern leatherwood (Dirca palustris) is native to 25 states. What's commonly sold under this name is the true wild species. No live listing of the true species was found as of 03 Nov 2026.
Photo: Fritzflohrreynolds, Wikimedia Commons (CC-BY-SA-3.0)
Where it's native
Listed in the directory as native to these states. Click a state for its full native-plant guide.
Growing conditions
From the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center Native Plant Database.
| Sun | Part Shade, Shade |
|---|---|
| Water | Dry-Moist |
| Soil | Moist, well-drained, organic soils, circumneutral pH |
| Bloom | Bloom Mar-Jun |
| Height | 3-6 ft, up to 10 ft |
| Wildlife value | Low wildlife value |
All parts poisonous: minor skin irritation when touched, low toxicity if ingested (vomiting, diarrhea); contact with bark/broken wood can cause skin irritation, blisters, severe dermatitis. Toxic principle: resin
Buying it
No live listing of the true wild species was found as of 03 Nov 2026 — that means our last search didn't surface one, not that the plant is unavailable.
No live seed or plant listing found as of 03 Nov 2026. That means our last search didn't surface one — not that the plant is unavailable. Try a regional native-plant nursery.
Quick answers about Eastern leatherwood
Where is Eastern leatherwood native?
Eastern leatherwood (Dirca palustris) is native to 25 states across the Northeast, Midwest and South. Check your state's page in this directory for the full list of plants native where you live.
When does Eastern leatherwood bloom?
Eastern leatherwood blooms Mar-Jun. Exact timing shifts a few weeks with latitude and elevation.
What growing conditions does Eastern leatherwood need?
Light: Part Shade, Shade. Water: Dry-Moist. Soil: Moist, well-drained, organic soils, circumneutral pH. Mature height: 3-6 ft, up to 10 ft.
Is Eastern leatherwood good for pollinators and wildlife?
Yes. Wildlife value: Low wildlife value.
Is Eastern leatherwood deer-resistant or drought-tolerant?
Eastern leatherwood is drought-tolerant and tolerates shade.
Is Eastern leatherwood toxic?
All parts poisonous: minor skin irritation when touched, low toxicity if ingested (vomiting, diarrhea); contact with bark/broken wood can cause skin irritation, blisters, severe dermatitis. Toxic principle: resin.
Where can I buy Eastern leatherwood?
We haven't found an online listing of the true wild species as of 03 Nov 2026. A regional native-plant nursery or native seed company is your best source; ask for Dirca palustris by its scientific name.
Similar native plants
Native plants that share growing conditions or range with Eastern leatherwood.
- Climbing prairie rose Rosa setigera
- Common evening primrose Oenothera biennis
- Coralberry Symphoricarpos orbiculatus
- Fragrant sumac Rhus aromatica
- Partridgeberry Mitchella repens
- American alumroot Heuchera americana
Also listed under
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