Ontario Trees & Shrubs website

Leatherleaf
Chamaedaphne calyculata

Leatherleaf (Chamaedaphne calyculata) Other common names: Calyxed Leatherleaf, Cassandra

Family: Heath Family (Ericaceae)

Distinctive features: Sub-Shrub; A small shrub of bogs and stream shorelines, growing to a maximum height of about 3 feet.

Similar species:
  •   Bog Rosemary (Andromeda polifolia) - Flowers in a clump.


Flowers: Spring;  White;  5 parts (petals)

Leaves: Alternate, Simple, Entire;  Alternate, simple, evergreen.

Habitat: Wet Areas;  Bogs and wet shores.

Books: Shrubs of Ontario: 371    Newcomb's Wildflower Guide: 292   

Native/Non-native: Native

Status: Common in bogs.

For more information visit: Ontario Wildflowers

Photographs: 186 photographs available, of which 6 are featured on this page. SCROLL DOWN FOR PHOTOGRAPHS.

Leatherleaf (Chamaedaphne calyculata) leaves

Leatherleaf (Chamaedaphne calyculata) plants

This winter photo shows the characteristic shape in Leatherleaf plants.

Leatherleaf (Chamaedaphne calyculata) plants in winter

Leatherleaf in winter.

Leatherleaf (Chamaedaphne calyculata) habitat

Leatherleaf (Chamaedaphne calyculata) leaf

Upper surface of a Leatherleaf leaf.

Leatherleaf (Chamaedaphne calyculata) leaf

Underside.