Leatherleaf (Chamaedaphne calyculata, Methodus: 457 (1794))

Family: Ericaceae

Author: (L.) Moench

Bibliography: Methodus: 457 (1794)

Year: 1794

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Chamaedaphne

Vegetable: False

Observations: Subarctic to N. Japan and NC. & E. U.S.A.

Description

Leatherleaf, known scientifically as Chamaedaphne calyculata, is a resilient evergreen shrub that belongs to the Ericaceae family. This plant has a widespread presence, flourishing in the subarctic regions and extending its reach as far as northern Japan and the north-central to eastern United States. Its survival adaptability in these diverse climatic conditions is remarkable, showcasing its endurance and nature’s resilience.

The plant was first classified in 1794, denoted in the detailed botanical work “Methodus” by (L.) Moench. Leatherleaf is distinguished by its leathery, lance-shaped leaves, which provide the common name “Leatherleaf.” These leaves are small, seldom exceeding two inches in length, and typically have a glossy, dark green appearance on the upper side with a lighter, scalier underside.

Leatherleaf thrives in boggy or swampy ground, often contributing to the unique vegetation structures of these ecosystems. The plant’s stems and branches can form dense thickets, creating habitats for various wildlife and playing a vital role in the local ecology.

In spring, Leatherleaf produces small, delicate, bell-shaped flowers which hang in clusters, primarily white to creamy in color. These blooms are not only attractive but also an essential nectar source for early pollinators.

Given its natural distribution, Leatherleaf is a cold-hardy species, able to withstand harsh winters and a range of soil conditions, though it performs best in acidic, moist substrates. Its ecological role extends to stabilization in wetland areas, helping to prevent soil erosion and maintain the hydrological stability of these environments.

In conclusion, the Leatherleaf is a fascinating plant with significant ecological importance. Its adaptation to various climates and conditions, combined with its aesthetic and functional properties, makes it a plant of interest for botanists, ecologists, and nature enthusiasts alike.

Common Names

Nor: finnmyrt
Eng: leatherleaf, cassandra, dwarf cassandra
Pol: chamedafne pólnocna
Swe: finnmyrten
Fra: cassandre caliculé, cassandre, chamédaphné calyculé, faux bleuets, petit-daphné caliculé
Sme: jeaggedaŋaslieđđi
En: Leatherleaf, Cassandra Leather Leaf, Cassandra, Dwarf cassandra
Fi: Vaivero
Fr: Cassandre caliculé, Cassandre, Chamédaphné calyculé, Faux bleuets, Petit-daphné caliculé
Se: Jeaggedaŋaslieđđi
No: Finnmyrt
Pl: Chamedafne pólnocna
Sv: Finnmyrten

Synonyms

• Lyonia calyculata f. crispa ((Poir.) Zabel)
• Chamaedaphne calyculata subsp. nana ((G.Lodd.) A.P.Khokhr.)
• Hydragonum calyculatum ((L.) Kuntze)
• Chamaedaphne calyculata var. latifolia ((Aiton) Fernald)
• Chamaedaphne calyculata var. angustifolia ((Aiton) Rehder)
• Chamaedaphne crispa ((Poir.) Spach)
• Andromeda crispa (Poir.)
• Lyonia calyculata f. nana ((G.Lodd.) Zabel)
• Exolepta calyculata ((L.) Raf.)
• Lyonia calyculata var. nana ((G.Lodd.) E.A.Busch)
• Andromeda calyculata var. linearis (Sims)
• Cassandra calyculata var. nana ((G.Lodd.) Bean)
• Andromeda calyculata (L.)
• Andromeda calyculata var. angustifolia (Aiton)
• Cassandra calyculata var. latifolia ((Aiton) F.Seym.)
• Cassandra calyculata var. angustifolia ((Aiton) A.Gray)
• Chamaedaphne calyculata var. nana ((G.Lodd.) Rehder)
• Andromeda angustifolia ((Aiton) Pursh)
• Cassandra angustifolia var. anomala ((Vent.) DC.)
• Andromeda calyculata var. anomala (Vent.)
• Andromeda calyculata var. ventricosa (Aiton)
• Lyonia calyculata ((L.) Rchb.)
• Cassandra calyculata ((L.) D.Don)
• Cassandra angustifolia ((Aiton) D.Don)
• Andromeda calyculata var. latifolia (Aiton)
• Andromeda calyculata var. nana (G.Lodd.)

Distribution

• Alaska (native)
• Alberta (native)
• Altay (native)
• Amur (native)
• Baltic States (native)
• Belarus (native)
• British Columbia (native)
• Buryatiya (native)
• Central European Rus (native)
• Chita (native)
• Connecticut (native)
• Delaware (native)
• East European Russia (native)
• Finland (native)
• Georgia (native)
• Illinois (native)
• Indiana (native)
• Inner Mongolia (native)
• Iowa (native)
• Irkutsk (native)
• Japan (native)
• Kamchatka (native)
• Khabarovsk (native)
• Korea (native)
• Krasnoyarsk (native)
• Labrador (native)
• Magadan (native)
• Maine (native)
• Manchuria (native)
• Manitoba (native)
• Maryland (native)
• Masachusettes (native)
• Michigan (native)
• Minnesota (native)
• Mongolia (native)
• New Brunswick (native)
• New Hampshire (native)
• New Jersey (native)
• New York (native)
• Newfoundland (native)
• North Carolina (native)
• North European Russi (native)
• Northwest European R (native)
• Northwest Territorie (native)
• Nova Scotia (native)
• Nunavut (native)
• Ohio (native)
• Ontario (native)
• Pennsylvania (native)
• Poland (native)
• Primorye (native)
• Prince Edward I. (native)
• Québec (native)
• Rhode I. (native)
• Sakhalin (native)
• Saskatchewan (native)
• South Carolina (native)
• Sweden (native)
• Ukraine (native)
• Vermont (native)
• West Siberia (native)
• Wisconsin (native)
• Yakutskiya (native)
• Yukon (native)
• West Virginia (introduced)

Additional Images

Leaf

Taken Apr 5, 2016 by EOL − botany08 (cc-by)

Taken Jan 22, 2021 by Marie-Philippe Bisson (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 27, 2021 by Amy Ehm (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 18, 2021 by Сергей Староверов (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 28, 2021 by Ellen Whitehead (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Aug 19, 2013 by EOL − Bob Heitzman (cc-by-nc)

Taken Apr 23, 2015 by EOL − Nicholas Pollock (cc-by-nc)

Taken Sep 13, 2014 by EOL − Charlie Hohn (cc-by-nc)

Taken Jul 9, 2014 by EOL − Charlie Hohn (cc-by-nc)

Taken May 10, 2022 by Paweł W (cc-by-sa)

Flower

Taken Jul 27, 2021 by Evan Bishko (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Encyclopedia of Life (cc-by-nc)

Taken Mar 8, 2021 by courtney gardner (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Encyclopedia of Life (cc-by-nc)

Taken May 2, 2022 by florian b (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken May 25, 2019 by Vicki Brown (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken Aug 17, 2022 by Grażyna Brzozowska (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 17, 2021 by Юрий Басов (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 28, 2016 by EOL − Erika Mitchell (cc-by-nc)

Taken Dec 8, 2015 by EOL − Erika Mitchell (cc-by-nc)

Other

Taken Jan 20, 2016 by EOL − owenclarkin (cc-by-nc)

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/5333436)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:1058520-2)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Chamaedaphne calyculata (L.) Moench)

Specifications

Growth form: Rhizomatous

Growth habit: Shrub

Growth rate: Moderate

Growth

Ph maximum: 6.0

Ph minimum: 5.0