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Copperleaf

Shrub type: Deciduous (Stores water in its leaves)

This modest-sized shrub grows up to 4 feet (1.2 meters) tall and lives for around 40 years. It is very resistant to disease but is susceptible to destructive insect infestation.

It has numerous long and flexible, wavy stems covered in very thick, ridged, gray bark, and the wood inside is copper-coloured.

The branches trail down to the ground with thousands of twigs that and are covered with small amounts of tiny, needle-like, leaves with rounded edges. The leaves themselves are found in cream and lime varieties, resistant and rough.

It produces several small, yellow flowers with 9 pointed petals with a tube-like floral cup. They are sturdy and have a delicate scent that smells like skunk spray. In early winter it forms largeorange, winged seeds that float and land far away.

It is suitable for creating flexible, durable textiles
It is frequently struck by lightning.
The colour changes depends on whether the soil is acidic or alkaline.