Cyrilla racemiflora
swamp titi, swamp cyrilla, leatherwood, palo colorado, black titi
Family
Cyrillaceae
Leaf Arrangement
alternate
Leaf Attachment
petiolate
Leaf Margin
entire
Leaf Type
simple
Leaf Shape
oblanceolate, obovate, spatulate, oval
Growth Form
shrub, tree
Flower Color
white
Flower Month
May - July
Height (meters)
20.0
Milky Sap
No
Armed/Unarmed
Unarmed
Origin
native
Lifespan
perennial
Leaf Retention
Deciduous
Wetland Class
FACW
Field Characters
A small tree with thin shreddy, reddish brown bark and three-angled twigs found in swamps and acid soils. Its drooping racemes are distinctive and hang down from node of previous years growth. Similar to Cliftonia but with beautiful vein pattern when held up to light.
Animal Use
Is a preferred browse for deer. In thickets, it also provides escape cover for wildlife. Honey from the flowers is esteemed by many. Cattle may eat the leaves in winter if better feed is lacking.
Habitat
Pocosins, bay forests, low pinelands, bottomlands, swamps, and along streams.