Leitneria floridana, commonly known as Corkwood, is a deciduous shrub or small tree native to wetlands, including swamps and marshy woods, primarily in the Southeastern United States. It is particularly adapted to the wet soils of the Gulf Coastal Plain and the lower Mississippi Valley. Corkwood is unique for its extremely lightweight wood, with a density even lower than that of cork, which has historically been used for life preservers and buoys. It typically reaches a height of 2–4 meters, occasionally growing up to 8 meters, with a trunk diameter of up to 10 cm. The plant features inconspicuous greenish-white flowers that appear in the spring.

Corkwood is valued for its adaptability to wet conditions and is often used in riparian plantings and wetland restoration projects. Its ability to thrive in saturated soils makes it a suitable choice for water gardens and boggy areas. Gardeners appreciate its ease of maintenance and its contribution to the ecosystem as a native species. In cultivation, it requires full sun to part shade and can tolerate a range of water conditions, from medium to high, and is adaptable to various soil drainage types. However, it is not commonly found in the nursery trade and may be difficult to source for planting.CC BY-SA 4.0