<previous next>

Copperleaf

Shrub type: Deciduous (Stores water in its leaves)

This huge shrub grows up to 11 feet (3.4 meters) tall and lives for around 13 years. It is very resistant to disease but is susceptible to destructive insect infestation.

It has numerous narrow, angular stems covered in thick, cracked, dark brown bark, and the wood inside is pale yellow.

The branches trail down across the ground with hundreds of twigs that and are covered with handfuls of small, very narrow and elongated, leaves with serrated edges. The leaves themselves are solid grey or dark brown, with copper streaks, tough and waxy.

In late spring it produces a handful of medium-sized, amber blossoms with many layers of petals. They are very delicate and have an overpowering scent that smells like old shoes.

In midwinter fan-like fruits ripen. The fuzzy purple skin is thick and sweet, and the soft caramel flesh is salty and very dry. The gold seeds are small and are bunched at the top of the fruit.

It is suitable for making paper
Once on fire, it burns very quickly.
It usually houses a colony of beneficial insects.
Several parts of the tree have medicinal properties.