A very rare large shrub in the sandalwood family, Piratebush is parasitic on the roots of Eastern Hemlock as well as other species. This Buckleya is growing next to a Carolina Hemlock.

Haywood Co., NC 6/13/2009.

A southern Appalachian endemic, in North Carolina it is found in a few counties in the western Mountains.

Haywood Co., NC 6/13/2009.

Piratebush requires direct sunlight to grow, which is not common in Hemlock stands -- this may help explain its rarity.

Haywood Co., NC 6/13/2009.

Haywood Co., NC 6/13/2009.

Haywood Co. NC 5/9/08.

The long-pointed narrow leaves are opposite and have short petioles.

Madison Co., NC 5/11/08.

Madison Co., NC 5/11/08.

Haywood Co. NC 5/13/05.

The small greenish flowers are 4-parted. The staminate (male) flowers grow in umbels. The pistillate flowers (on female shrubs) are solitary.

Haywood Co. NC 5/13/05.

Staminate flowers.

Haywood Co. NC 5/9/08.

Staminate flowers.

Haywood Co. NC 5/9/08.

Bark detail.

Haywood Co. NC 5/9/08.

Haywood Co. NC 5/9/08.

Haywood Co. NC 5/9/08.

This Buckleya has a nearly horizontal growth habit, growing out from a steep roadside bank, reaching towards the light.

Haywood Co. NC 5/9/08.