leatherleaf Ericaceae Chamaedaphne calyculata

Leaf:Alternate, simple, evergreen, leathery, elliptical to broadly lanceolate, 1 to 1 1/2 inches long, entire or slightly toothed, dark green with white or brown scales, much paler below, often pointing upward from stem.
Flower:Small, white urn-shaped flowers, occurring in a long (3 to 5 inch), leafy cluster from branch tips, each hangs from a leaf axil, appearing in later spring. Leaves on flower clusters much smaller than typical foliage.
Fruit:Round capsule, 1/4 inch in diameter, ripen in late summer, persistent.
Twig:Slender, reddish brown to gray; buds small, brown.
Bark:Smooth reddish gray.
Form:Small, spreading shrub to 5 feet, forming very dense thickets. Leaves distinctly pointing upward.

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