Cercocarpus betuloides
Mountain Mahogany
Description
This evergreen shrub grows 15' high and 6' wide. It can be pruned to look like a small tree 20' tall. Small yellow, fragrant flowers cover the shrub in spring which contrast with the red stems. The leaves are small and oval-shaped. Feathery fruit hang on the shrub in fall and when backlit, gives off a silvery glow. This shrub tolerates full to part sun with rocky, poor soil. This California native is great for erosion control or revegetating an area. It is useful in narrow areas for privacy since it can be pruned into a privacy hedge. Deer browse this plant. It is wind tolerant and needs occasional water once it's established. Also known as Hardtack.
Sun
Full, Half
Water
Very Low
Growth Rate
Moderate
Soil Type
Sandy, Rocky
Soil Condition
Average, Poor, Well-drained
Soil pH
Neutral
Adverse Factors
n/a
Water-wise plants can be beautiful as well as practical.
Take your 'My List' Hydrozone Report to a landscape designer, or local nursery, when selecting and purchasing plants.