Hi all,

I know you just can't wait until spring, when you can get out and find new plants! Aaron Floden has described a new SHRUB species for Missouri. It is a type of leatherwood, Dirca decipiens, and is very similar to the ordinary leatherwood (Dirca palustris), but is typically found in more upland habitat (dolomite bluffs above rivers). We need the flowers to be sure, so be on the look-out for it next spring!

See the attached PDF to learn more about it.

Thanks,

Susan Farrington
Plant Community Ecologist
Missouri Department of Conservation
Susan.Farrington@mdc.mo.gov

Editor's note: Be sure to view that attached PDF for details on this new species of leatherwood.