San Diego Mountain Mahogany
(Cercocarpus minutiflorus)
San Diego Mountain Mahogany (Cercocarpus minutiflorus)
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Madeleine Claire
CC BY 4.0
Image By:
Madeleine Claire
Recorded By:
Copyright:
CC BY 4.0
Copyright Notice:
Photo by: Madeleine Claire | License Type: CC BY 4.0 | License URL: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ | Rights Holder: Madeleine Claire | Publisher: iNaturalist | Date Created: 2021-05-02T16:12:07Z |
Estimated Native Range
Summary
Cercocarpus minutiflorus, commonly known as San Diego Mountain Mahogany, is an evergreen shrub or small tree native to the chaparral and coastal sage scrub of Southern California in the United States and Baja California in Mexico. It typically grows to a height of 2-3 meters and is characterized by its upright form and gray-silver bark. The small, inconspicuous flowers bloom in spring and are followed by feathery fruits that are quite ornamental. This species is adapted to dry, rocky slopes and canyons, making it a resilient choice for xeriscaping.
San Diego Mountain Mahogany is valued for its drought tolerance and ability to thrive in poor, rocky soils, making it a suitable choice for low-water gardens and restoration projects. It is also appreciated for its attractive bark and feathery fruits, which add texture to the landscape. Common uses include naturalistic plantings and as a specimen in native plant gardens. It requires minimal maintenance once established and is best suited to full sun exposure with well-draining soil. While it is a hardy plant, it can be susceptible to root rot if overwatered.CC BY-SA 4.0
San Diego Mountain Mahogany is valued for its drought tolerance and ability to thrive in poor, rocky soils, making it a suitable choice for low-water gardens and restoration projects. It is also appreciated for its attractive bark and feathery fruits, which add texture to the landscape. Common uses include naturalistic plantings and as a specimen in native plant gardens. It requires minimal maintenance once established and is best suited to full sun exposure with well-draining soil. While it is a hardy plant, it can be susceptible to root rot if overwatered.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Shrubs
- Height: 6-15 feet
- Width: 6-10 feet
- Growth Rate: Moderate
- Flower Color: N/A
- Flowering Season: Spring
- Leaf Retention: Evergreen
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Full Sun
- Water: Low
- Drainage: Medium
Common Uses
Bee Garden, Bird Garden, Butterfly Garden, Deer Resistant, Drought Tolerant, Fire Resistant, Fragrant, Hedges, Low Maintenance
Natural Habitat
Chaparral and coastal sage scrub, dry, rocky slopes and canyons
Other Names
Common Names: Smooth Mountain-Mahogany , San Diego Mountain Mahogany
Scientific Names: Cercocarpus minutiflorus , Cercocarpus montanus var. minutiflorus
GBIF Accepted Name: Cercocarpus montanus var. minutiflorus (Abrams) Martin