Cercocarpus
( ser - koh - KARP - us )
|
At-A-Glance InformationCercocarpus, or Mountain Mahogany, is a genus of evergreen and deciduous shrubs and trees native to the western United States. Most species have an open branching structure, are slow-growing and have long-lasting fruits that appear in fall. These shrubs need little to no water and full sunlight to perform well. Native American populations in California harvested the wood of these shrubs for arrows, digging, and for spearing fish. Use these shrubs for in the landscape for screening or creating barriers. Take care when planting Mountain Mahogany plants in the landscape, as ingestion of plant parts is toxic to humans, pets and livestock.
|
Cercocarpus Species and Varietals
The genus Cercocarpus includes nine distinct species, and is included in the Rose family, Rosaceae. The generic name is derived from the Greek words for tail (kerkos) and fruit (carpus). Mountain Mahogany growing zones vary by species; refer to the descriptions below for more information. To find your zone, click here: Zone Map.
|
Cercocarpus betuloides (Hardtack, Mountain Ironwood, Sweetbrush) This is an evergreen shrub and can also be grown as a tree. It is native to the foothills below 6,000 feet in Oregon, California and Northern Baja California. Grows best in USDA hardiness zones 5-10 or Sunset growing zones 3, 5, 7-10 and 13-24. Individual shrubs grow to be 5-12 feet high and wide at maturity. Leaves are dark green on top, pale underneath with toothed edges and creamy yellow-white flowers are present from March through May. |
|
|
Cercocarpus intricatus (Cercocarpus ledifolius intricatus) (Littleleaf Mountain Mahogany, Dwarf Mountain Mahogany, Narrowleaf Mountain Mahogany) An evergreen shrub growing 3-9 feet tall and wide. Native to eastern California and Utah, it grows well in USDA hardiness zones 3-9 or Sunset growing zones 2, 3, 7, 9-11, 14-16 and 18-24. It is a slow grower, with intricate branching and tiny rolled leaves that are green on top and grey underneath. |
|
Cercocarpus ledifolius (Curl Leaf Mountain Mahogany, Desert Mountain Mahogany) Evergreen shrub or tree that grows best in USDA hardiness zones 4-9 or Sunset growing zones 1-3, 7-10 and 14-21. The species is native to eastern slopes of the Sierra Nevada mountain range through the Rockies. Can form a 20 foot tall tree in warmer climates and in colder climates is more of a slow-growing hedge or small tree. Leaves are leathery and dark green with white undersides and rolled edges. |
|
Caring for Cercocarpus
Take care when planting Mountain Mahogany plants in the landscape, as ingestion of plant parts is toxic to humans, pets and livestock. Plant Mountain Mahogany shrubs in full sun to partial shade. They appreciate full sun in most climates, but can take shade in the warmest climates in the afternoon. They thrive in very acidic to slightly alkaline soil (with a pH of between 5.0 and 8.0) that is well-draining. They perform well in rocky soils. If local soils are particularly poor in nutrients or do not drain well, make sure to amend the planting area with plenty of organic compost before installing. Apply a layer of mulch around the planting area to suppress weed growth, maintain consistent soil temperatures, and to increase soil moisture retention.
Water new plantings regularly as they establish a strong root system in their new home. When mature, these plants only require one watering per month in the summertime; they are very drought-tolerant. As a general rule of thumb, only water whenever the soil has completely dried out in extended periods of drought. Mountain Mahogany trees and shrubs do not need to be fertilized. If they seem to be struggling, fertilize in early springtime with an application of 2 inches of compost around the base of plants. Pull mulch back before applying, work the compost gently into the soil a bit, water it in, and then replace mulch. The only pruning required for these plants is to remove dead, dying or damaged branches in early spring. Mountain Mahogany is hardy to -10 degrees Fahrenheit, and can persist in the landscape for many years, from 50 to over 1,000 if cared for properly.
Water new plantings regularly as they establish a strong root system in their new home. When mature, these plants only require one watering per month in the summertime; they are very drought-tolerant. As a general rule of thumb, only water whenever the soil has completely dried out in extended periods of drought. Mountain Mahogany trees and shrubs do not need to be fertilized. If they seem to be struggling, fertilize in early springtime with an application of 2 inches of compost around the base of plants. Pull mulch back before applying, work the compost gently into the soil a bit, water it in, and then replace mulch. The only pruning required for these plants is to remove dead, dying or damaged branches in early spring. Mountain Mahogany is hardy to -10 degrees Fahrenheit, and can persist in the landscape for many years, from 50 to over 1,000 if cared for properly.
Propagation
Cercocarpus is best propagated by seed. Although this is the best way to propagate, it can be difficult, as the seeds require some work before they can be sown. For those new to gardening, it would probably be best to purchase a starter plant from a nursery. To propagate your Cercocarpus shrub via seed, follow the instructions below:
Propagating Cercocarpus by Seed
Propagating Cercocarpus by Seed
- Keep in mind that the Cercocarpus plant you get from seed will not necessarily mimic all of the characteristics of the parent plant. To propagate by seed, you will need a paper bag, a pot or tray filled with well-draining compost or other organic material, a spray bottle and a fork. The best potting medium for seed germination is a light blend of 1/3 pasteurized soil or compost, 1/3 sand, vermiculite or perlite, and 1/3 coconut coir or peat moss.
- Harvest your seeds. The seed pods on Cercocarpus plants are pretty easy to spot, they're attached to feather-like styles. Harvest as many as you can, and place them in a paper bag in a dry, cool, dark area until you are ready to plant them.
- Water your prepared seed tray or pot filled with soil, and ensure that good drainage is occurring. Then, soak your seeds in water and store in the refrigerator for a few days. There is some evidence that this will increase the chance that the seeds will germinate. After soaking, place your seeds in your prepared pot or seed tray about a quarter inch to a half-inch under the soil surface. Cover them with soil and water with your spray bottle. Place your tray of seeds in a warm area that receives bright, indirect light. A greenhouse is the most ideal climate, but a planting tray inside a window will do as well. Germination usually takes 1-3 months from sowing.
- Keep the seedling's potting medium moist, but not wet, by spraying the soil with your spray bottle. Keep your new plant in an area with bright light (though not direct sunlight) and temperatures between 55 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Ensure that the soil stays moist, but not wet, until they have reached an adequate size for planting outdoors.
Cercocarpus seeds are brown and thin, typically attached to a long, feathery tail-like structure that aids in wind dispersal.
|
Cercocarpus seeds form where flowers once bloomed.
|
Problems and Pests
Cercocarpus plants are not bothered by pests or disease, though they can have issues from time to time with the following:
- Deer
- Aphids
- Flatheaded Borers
- Spider Mites
- Anthracnose
- Leaf Spot
- Powdery Mildew
- Root Rot
- Canker
Gallery
Mountain Mahogany flowers are tubular, and produce a long style that looks like a feather.
|
A mature Mountain Mahogany, with a beautiful, thick, twisting trunk.
|
Mountain Mahogany make great barrier and screening plants, providing year-round foliage.
|
Videos
|
How efforts are being made to save members of the Cercocarpus genus.
|
Identifying Mountain Mahogany.
|
Resources
The New Sunset Western Garden Book: The Ultimate Gardening Guide (2012) - Page 233, Cercocarpus
