leatherleaf

Leatherleaf is a common name applied to several plants with thick, leathery foliage. It is not a scientific term and may refer to different species depending on context, most notably a viburnum, a fern, and a bog shrub.

Leatherleaf viburnum (Viburnum rhytidophyllum) is an evergreen shrub native to China. It grows 3–4 meters tall, with dark green, oblong leaves up to 12 cm long that have a leathery texture. White flower clusters appear in spring, followed by dark fruit. It is commonly used as a hedge and tolerates shade.

Leatherleaf fern (Rumohra adiantiformis) is an evergreen fern native to tropical and subtropical Americas. Its glossy, leathery fronds typically reach 60–120 cm. It is popular as cut greenery in floristry and is grown as an ornamental plant in suitable climates; it prefers shade and moist soil.

Leatherleaf (Chamaedaphne calyculata) is an evergreen shrub in the heath family that occurs in bogs and wetlands of North America. It reaches about 0.6–1.5 meters tall, with small, thick leaves and clusters of white, urn-shaped flowers in late spring. It is common in acidic bog habitats and used in naturalistic plantings in appropriate soils.

Because leatherleaf refers to multiple species, identification relies on scientific name or context to avoid confusion.