Alderleaf Mountain Mahogany (Cercocarpus montanus) is semi-evergreen, woody shrub that features wider leaves than the other native Mahoganies and small, insignificant yellow flowers in the spring that are replaced by showier seedheads with hairy plumes. Leaves can last through the winter like other varieties, but it will sometimes drop its leaves (including in times of drought) and replace them. Alderleaf Mountain Mahogany is commonly found in lower elevations and has a dense, symmetrical growing habit. Use as an architectural specimen in a xeric or other dry garden site, or in natural or restorative plantings. Does not require pruning, but can be pruned to achieve a desired shape.
Alderleaf Mountain Mahogany
Native to Cache County: Yes
Irrigation Requirement: Very Low (Water to Establish)
Mature Size: Commonly 4 - 6' tall and wide, but can get up to 20' tall and 15' wide
Spacing: 6' or more apart
Bloom Colors: Yellow
Bloom Season: May - June
Hardiness Zone: 3 - 6
Light Requirement: Full Sun
Deer Resistant: Yes
Salt Tolerant: Unknown
Soils: Requires well-drained soil, but can be tolerant of sand, loam, or clay soils.
Plants in the Cercocarpus family are host species for 20 known native pollintors in the Cache Valley area. Mountain Mahogany also provides valuable browse and cover for birds and mammals.