SafePlants

Piratebush (Buckleya distichophylla)

Buckleya distichophylla, commonly known as piratebush, is a rare and intriguing shrub native to the Southern United States.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Buckleya distichophylla (Nutt.) Torr.
• Common Name: Piratebush
• Family: Santalaceae (Sandalwood family)

Distribution and Habitat

• Piratebush is endemic to the Appalachian Mountains, specifically the Southern Appalachian region and Southeastern North America.
• Extant populations are found in western North Carolina, northeastern Tennessee, and Virginia.
• It is found on forest slopes and ridgetops.

Ecological Role

• Piratebush is a hemiparasitic shrub, meaning it obtains some of its nutrients by parasitizing other plants.
• It is parasitic on the roots of Eastern Hemlock, as well as other species.

Morphological Characteristics

• Piratebush is a large shrub.
• Its leaves are opposite, simple, slender, and ovate.
• In autumn, its foliage turns a brilliant yellow.
• It is a dioecious shrub, meaning that individual plants are either male or female.

Interactions with Other Organisms

• Piratebush is a host plant for specialist bees.

Further Information

• More information can be found on Discover Life's page about Buckleya distichophylla.
• Additional information is available in the Encyclopedia of Life.
• Further information may be available from the Division of Natural Heritage.
• Fruit images are available from Troy Evans at Great Smoky Mountains National Park.