Dirca occidentalis - Western Leatherwood

Description

The light green leaves, mottled grey bark, and showy yellow flowers of this deciduous shrub lend a grace to the garden throughout the year. Western Leatherwood grows slowly to 6' high and 3' wide in cultivation. It flowers as early as December on shady hillsides of the Bay Area where it is endemic. The oval leaves follow the bloom and persist until fall. Dirca needs shade and plenty of winter moisture, water it occasionally to help it through its first few summers.