Herb: Corkwood


Latin name: Leitneria floridana


Family: Leitneriaceae (Corkwood Family)



Description of the plant:



Plant:
Deciduous
Shrub

Height:
6 m
(20 feet)

Flowering:
March

Habitat of Corkwood:

Borders of swamps and wet ground, also on muddy saline shores.

Other uses of the herb:

Wood - very light, soft, close grained. The layers of annual growth are hardly distinguishable. This is one of the lightest known woods, it weighs about 12?lb per cubic foot, is lighter than cork and is used for floats etc.

Propagation of Corkwood:

The seed germinates better if it is given 3 months cold stratification so is probably best sown in the autumn in a cold frame. The seed can also be sown in late winter in a greenhouse but the germination is variable. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots as soon as they are large enough to handle. Young plants should be overwintered in a greenhouse for their first year and can then be planted out in late spring after the last expected frosts. Give some winter protection from the cold for their first year outdoors. Cuttings of half-ripe wood, July/August in a frame. Division of suckers in the dormant season.

Cultivation of the herb:

Borders of swamps and wet ground, also on muddy saline shores.

Medicinal use of Corkwood:

None known

Known hazards of Leitneria floridana:

None known

Plant information taken from the Plants For A Future.