Curl-leaf Mountain Mahogany

Cercocarpus ledifolius

ser-ko-KAR-pus lee-di-FOH-lee-us
10 to 30 ft.
8 to 12 ft.
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very low

negligible (yellow)

April

10 to 30 ft.

8 to 12 ft.

Yes

western United States

sun

USDA zones 4-9

hardy to 9,000 ft.

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.

very low

negligible (yellow)

April

10 to 30 ft.

8 to 12 ft.

Yes

western United States

sun

USDA zones 4-9

hardy to 9,000 ft.

Curl-leaf mountain mahogany has been growing quite well at the Xeriscape 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.

Prune when young to create the desired shape when mature. Prune out damaged and dead branches in the spring as needed.