Chamaedaphne calyculata
Leatherleaf
General
An early-successional northern bog species, it is responsible for helping to build and extend the bog mat and aids the establishment of other bog species (e.g. pitcher plants, cranberry). This species will grow best in open areas dominated by Sphagnum mosses. It will often dominate in a low overstory until species like black spruce (Picea mariana) and tamarack (Larix laricina) can grow.
Plant Description
Small evergreen shrub. Leaves are leathery and vary in size and shape (elliptical to oblong). Flowers are small, white, and urn-shaped. Fruits are grey-brown capsules containing very small seed.
Height (ft)
Usually 1-3, Up to 4
Spread (ft)
1-3
Soil moisture
Wet, but does not tolerate prolonged periods of inundation
Soil types
Organic soils and coarse to fine mineral soils, tolerates acidic soils
Wetland indicator
OBL
Shade tolerance
Intermediate, Prefers full sun
Bloom color
White
Bloom period
Early Spring
Fall conspicuous
No
Anaerobic tolerance
Low
Drought tolerance
Low
Salinity tolerance
Low
Self-Pollinating?
Yes
Range
Alaska and Northeastern to Northcentral United States. Disjunct in Maryland and North and South Carolina.
Kartesz, J.T. 2024. Floristic Synthesis of North America, Version 1.0. Biota of North America Program (BONAP) [website http://bonap.org/]
Additional Information
According to BRIT - Native American Ethnobotany Database, the Ojibwa used the fresh or dried leaves in a tea. The Potawatomi used a poultice of the leaves for inflammation and an infusion of the leaves to treat fevers.