Family - Caprifoliaceae

Stems - No info yet.

Winter twig.

Mature bark.

Leaves - No info yet.

Glands of the leaf.

Bud close-up.

Inflorescence - No info yet.

Flowers - No info yet.

Flowers close-up.

Fruits.

Flowering - April - May.

Habitat - Rocky woods, dry open woods, rich moist valleys, alluvial ground, glades, thickets.

Origin - Native to U.S.

Other info. - This attractive shrub or small tree can be found in the southern 2/3 of Missouri. The plant is easy to identify becasue of its opposite thick green leaves, its rusty-colored leaf buds, and its rough bark. It is a species worthy of cultivation and would make a good specimen plant in a garden setting.
Traditionally the bark of V. rufidulum was used as a tea to treat ailments such as urinary tract infections and malaria. The tea also was believed to increase urine flow.

Photographs taken at Whetstone Creek Conservation Area, Callaway County, MO., 2-19-04 and 5-4-04.