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Ericaceae: Chamaedaphne calyculata (L.) Moench
(Leatherleaf)

Chamaedaphne calyculata is a low-growing, circumpolar shrub found in bogs, fens, wet peaty barrens and in wet areas on margins of lakes and ponds. Stems are alternate and much branched. Leaves are mainly evergreen, leathery and scaly, especially below, and generally oblong in shape, pointing upward along the stem. White bell-shaped flowers form a one-sided raceme. Each flower is composed of 5 petals, 5 sepals and 10 stamens. Many shiny, brown, flat seeds are located in locules (cavities of an ovary). Blooming time is early May to mid-June. Leatherleaf is widespread in the north and east and as far south as Geogria. The population is secure from Saskatchewan to Prince Edward Island, apparently secure in Alberta and vulnerable in British Columbia.
Sources | Selected Web Resources | Line Drawing

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Jan. 22, 2009. Lunenburg County: Grimm Road bogs. Photographer: Ocotillo.
Chamaedaphne calyculata Chamaedaphne calyculata
Chamaedaphne calyculata Chamaedaphne calyculata

May 8, 1999. Lunenburg County. Indian Path Common. Photographer: Ocotillo.
Chamaedaphne calyculata

Aug. 12, 2007. Halifax County: near East Dover. . Photographer: JackPine.
leatherleaf, Chamaedaphne calyculata

leatherleaf, Chamaedaphne calyculata
leatherleaf, Chamaedaphne calyculata

Selected Web Resources