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leatherleaf
Scientific Name: Chamaedaphne
Family: Ericaceae
Category: Dicot
Growth:
Duration:
Other Names:
Leatherleaf: A Multifaceted Plant
The term "leatherleaf" can refer to several different plants, each with unique characteristics and belonging to different plant families. This page explores some of these plants, providing information to help you understand their individual traits and potential considerations for your home and garden.
Considerations for Pets
- Some sources indicate that Chamaedaphne calyculata may release a toxin called "andromedotoxin."
Plants Commonly Called "Leatherleaf"
- Chamaedaphne calyculata: Also known as Cassandra. This is a shrub belonging to the Ericaceae (Heather) family. It's the only species in the genus Chamaedaphne.
- Rumohra adiantiformis: Referred to as Leatherleaf Fern or Leather Fern and belonging to the Dryopteridaceae (Wood Fern) family. In some regions it is called Baker Fern.
- Viburnum rhytidophyllum: Known as Leatherleaf Viburnum, is a member of the Adoxaceae family.
- Mahonia bealei: Known as Leatherleaf Mahonia.
- Carex buchananii: Known as Leather Leaf Sedge.
Chamaedaphne calyculata Details
Chamaedaphne calyculata, often simply called leatherleaf, is an evergreen shrub of the heath family (Ericaceae). Its leathery leaves give it its common name.
- Common Names: Leatherleaf, Cassandra, Calyxed Leatherleaf.
- Synonym: Andromeda calyculata.
- Growth Habit: Perennial dwarf shrub with rhizomes that can extend 1.5-2 meters.
- Distribution: Found in temperate and subarctic areas of the northern hemisphere.
- Flowers: Small white flowers resembling blueberry flowers, hanging along the stems.
- Growth Rate: In Massachusetts, colonies can expand radially at the rate of one foot per decade.
Rumohra adiantiformis Details
Rumohra adiantiformis, or leatherleaf fern is an evergreen fern that's a popular addition to many interior plant collections.
- Common Names: Leatherleaf Fern, Leather Fern, Baker Fern.
- Family: Dryopteridaceae (Wood Fern) family
- Growing conditions: Prefers bright indirect light with no direct sun.
- Hardiness Zone: U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 9b through 11.
Viburnum rhytidophyllum Details
Viburnum rhytidophyllum, commonly known as leatherleaf viburnum, is an evergreen shrub native to central and western China.
- Common Names: Leatherleaf Viburnum.
- Family: Adoxaceae.
- Habit and Form: A large, evergreen, multi-stemmed shrub reaching 10-15 feet tall.
- Flowers: Creamy white cymes from May onwards, followed by luminous red stone fruit.
- Leaves: Elongate, distinctively puckered leaves borne in opposing pairs.
- Native Range: Central and western China; hardy to zone 5.
Mahonia bealei Details
Mahonia bealei, also called leatherleaf mahonia, is an evergreen shrub planted as an ornamental.
- Common Names: Leatherleaf Mahonia.
- Leaves: Pinnately compound, 18 inches (46 cm) long. Very long leaves (narrower than other "leatherleaf" types) have a drooping appearance especially in winter during which time they will cup.
Quirky Facts
- For Chamaedaphne calyculata, the genus name Chamaedaphne comes from the Greek "chamai" (on the ground).
- Occasionally, the underside of the leather leaf fern will have tan, brown or black bumps. This is part of the reproductive system of the plant and does not shorten its lifespan.
Additional Resources
- ARKive (for Leatherleaf photos and facts).
- Monrovia (for Leatherleaf Fern details and information).
- University of California, Postharvest Technology Center (for postharvest handling of horticultural crops).
- Ontario Trees and Shrubs (for photos of Chamaedaphne calyculata).
- University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture Cooperative Extension Service (for Leatherleaf Mahonia).