Dirca occidentalis
Western leatherwood
(c) Ken-ichi Ueda, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Ken-ichi Ueda · licence
Family: Thymelaeaceae · Type: Shrub · Native
Conservation status: CNPS 1B.2
Dirca occidentalis (Western leatherwood) is a native California shrub in the Thymelaeaceae family, recognized by Pacific Coast endemic in a genus otherwise restricted to eastern North America, relict distribution in California.
Western leatherwood is a rare (CNPS 1B.2) California native shrub found in the San Francisco Bay Area on generally north or northeast facing slopes in mixed-evergreen forest to chaparral within the fog belt at elevations of 50 to 400 meters. Flowering from November to March, this plant produces yellow flowers on short pedicels emerging before leaves, with delicate clusters of 1 to 4 blooms. Growing 1 to 3 meters tall with silky-hairy stems that are particularly soft in youth, it develops an elegant, multi-branched structure. Its leaves are softly textured with rounded bases and tips, measuring 2 to 7 centimeters long and carried on short 3 to 6 millimeter petioles. The fruit develops as a yellow-green capsule 8 to 10 millimeters long, hanging discreetly among the branches.
Identification and appearance
Key characters: Pacific Coast endemic in a genus otherwise restricted to eastern North America, relict distribution in California
Habitat and range
Habitat: Generally north or northeast facing slopes, mixed-evergreen forest to chaparral, generally in fog belt
Elevation: 50-400 m
California counties: Marin, Contra Costa, Sonoma, San Mateo, Santa Clara, Alameda
Bloom period
Dirca occidentalis blooms Nov-Mar.
Conservation status
CNPS 1B.2
Frequently asked questions
Is Dirca occidentalis native to California?
Yes. Dirca occidentalis is native to California (recorded as native).
When does Dirca occidentalis bloom?
Dirca occidentalis blooms Nov-Mar.
Where in California does Dirca occidentalis grow?
Dirca occidentalis occurs in Marin, Contra Costa, Sonoma, San Mateo, Santa Clara, Alameda, at elevations of 50-400 m.
What plant family does Dirca occidentalis belong to?
Dirca occidentalis is in the Thymelaeaceae family, genus Dirca.
Is Dirca occidentalis rare or endangered?
Dirca occidentalis carries California Rare Plant Rank 1B.2, state rank S2.
Related species
Other California species in the same genus, family, or bioregion.
Sources: Jepson eFlora · CNPS Rare Plant Inventory · Index of California Plant Names · CalPhotos · CDFW CNDDB
Last updated 2026-10-07
Data from The California Species Project — 14,000+ California species with verified data from CNPS, CDFW, USFWS, Cal-IPC, and more.