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Copperleaf

Shrub type: Coniferous (Grows along the ground or other low surfaces.)

This average-sized shrub grows up to 2 feet (61.0 cm) tall and lives for decades, with the oldest known specimen being around 107 years old. It is not very resistant to disease and destructive insect infestation.

It has many long and flexible, straight stems covered in fine, knobbly, burgundy bark, and the wood inside is copper-coloured.

The branches trail down to the ground with thousands of twigs that and are covered with thick bunches of small, fan-like, leaves with tattered edges. The leaves themselves are found in copper and bronze varieties, frail and crispy.

In late summer it produces handfuls of large, caramel blossoms with needle-like petals. They are sturdy and have a weak scent that smells like ashes.

In midwinter small stiff, pointed fruits ripen. The sticky pink skin is stretchy and edible when cooked; it is sweet, and the soft gentle purple flesh is sweet and very dry. The grey seeds are tiny and are located in the centre of the fruit.

It can survive a very long time without water.
It is suitable for creating tough, hard-wearing textiles
It usually houses a colony of beneficial insects.