Alder-Leaf Mountain-Mahogany
(Cercocarpus montanus)
Alder-Leaf Mountain-Mahogany (Cercocarpus montanus)
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Bobby McCabe
CC BY 4.0
Image By:
Bobby McCabe
Recorded By:
Copyright:
CC BY 4.0
Copyright Notice:
Photo by: Bobby McCabe | License Type: CC BY 4.0 | License URL: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ | Rights Holder: Bobby McCabe | Publisher: iNaturalist | Date Created: 2021-06-03T20:48:57Z |
Estimated Native Range
Summary
Cercocarpus montanus, commonly known as Alder-Leaf Mountain-Mahogany, is a deciduous shrub or small tree native to the semi-arid regions of the Mountain West and Great Plains of the United States, California, and Northern Mexico. It is typically found in dry, rocky soils of foothills, canyons, and plateaus. This plant usually reaches a height of 12 feet (4 meters) and a width of 4-8 feet (1.2-2.4 meters), with a rounded form and a dense, twiggy appearance. The leaves resemble those of alders, and it produces small, inconspicuous yellow to red flowers in the spring, followed by feathery, plume-like fruits that are quite showy and persist into winter.
Alder-Leaf Mountain-Mahogany is valued for its drought tolerance and ability to thrive in poor soils, making it an excellent choice for xeriscaping and naturalistic plantings in arid regions. It is also used for erosion control and as a windbreak due to its dense growth habit. In cultivation, it requires minimal maintenance, thriving in full sun with low water needs and well-drained soils. While it is not commonly afflicted by diseases, it can suffer from root rot if overwatered. This species is not known for aggressive roots or significant pest issues. It is not typically invasive when grown outside its native range, but gardeners should always monitor and manage plants to prevent unwanted spread.CC BY-SA 4.0
Alder-Leaf Mountain-Mahogany is valued for its drought tolerance and ability to thrive in poor soils, making it an excellent choice for xeriscaping and naturalistic plantings in arid regions. It is also used for erosion control and as a windbreak due to its dense growth habit. In cultivation, it requires minimal maintenance, thriving in full sun with low water needs and well-drained soils. While it is not commonly afflicted by diseases, it can suffer from root rot if overwatered. This species is not known for aggressive roots or significant pest issues. It is not typically invasive when grown outside its native range, but gardeners should always monitor and manage plants to prevent unwanted spread.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Shrub, Tree
- Height: 8-12 feet
- Width: 4-8 feet
- Growth Rate: Slow
- Flower Color: N/A
- Flowering Season: Spring
- Leaf Retention: Deciduous
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Full Sun
- Water: Low
- Drainage: Fast, Medium
Common Uses
Bee Garden, Bird Garden, Butterfly Garden, Deer Resistant, Drought Tolerant, Erosion Control, Fire Resistant, Fragrant, Low Maintenance, Street Planting
Natural Habitat
Semi-arid regions, foothills, canyons, and plateaus with dry, rocky soils
Other Names
Common Names: Alderleaf Mountain Mahogany , Alder-Leaf Cercocarpus , True Mountain-Mohagany
Scientific Names: Cercocarpus betuloides , Cercocarpus montanus , Cercocarpus montanus var. montanus , Cercocarpus flabellifolius , Cercocarpus montanus var. flabellifolius , Cercocarpus parvifolius var. hirsutissimus , Cercocarpus parvifolius var. breviflorus , Cercocarpus parvifolius var. minimus
GBIF Accepted Name: Cercocarpus montanus Raf.