Curl-leaf Mountain Mahogany
Curl-leaf mountain mahogany is a drought-tolerant, large, bushy shrub or small tree native to the foothills of the western US.
It has small, leathery, dark green leaves that stay on the plant over the winter. Very small yellow flowers turn into white, feathery seedheads in late summer. The bark is a beautiful smooth, light gray.
This shrub will grow well on sites with sandy or rocky soils. It has proven to be very tolerant of adverse weather conditions, including drought. It makes a good screen as well.
Curl-leaf Mountain Mahogany
Curl-leaf mountain mahogany is a drought-tolerant, large, bushy shrub or small tree native to the foothills of the western US.
It has small, leathery, dark green leaves that stay on the plant over the winter. Very small yellow flowers turn into white, feathery seedheads in late summer. The bark is a beautiful smooth, light gray.
This shrub will grow well on sites with sandy or rocky soils. It has proven to be very tolerant of adverse weather conditions, including drought. It makes a good screen as well.
Plant details
Botanic Name
Cercocarpus ledifolius
Pronunciation
ser-ko-KAR-pus lee-di-FOH-lee-us
Mature Height
10 to 30 ft.
Mature Spread
8 to 12 ft.
Water usage
One Droplet: Water twice per month or less, once established.
Two Droplets: Water about once per week, once established.
Three Droplets: Water about twice per week, once established.
Flower Color
negligible (yellow)
Bloom time
April
Colorado Native
Yes
Natural Habitat
western United States
Light Requirements
sun
Cold Hardiness
USDA zones 4-9
Elevation Limit
hardy to 9,000 ft.
Performance
Curl-leaf mountain mahogany has been growing quite well at the Water Wise Demonstration Garden. Since it is evergreen over the winter, it provides a nice screen and windbreak.
It's important to prune curl-leaf mountain mahogany into the desired shape when young. Very little other maintenance required.
Maintenance
Prune when young to create the desired shape when mature. Prune out damaged and dead branches in the spring as needed.