Mountain Mahogany
Cercocarpus betuloides
Also known as Birchleaf Mountain Mahogany, California Mountain Mahogany, Birch-leaf Mahogany
Climate Match for your location
See how well Mountain Mahogany grows in your area.
Enter your ZIP code and we'll show you how this plant fits your local climate.
A drought-tolerant native shrub with small leaves and feathery seed plumes that persist ornamentally into fall. Valued for xeriscape gardens and erosion control in arid and semi-arid climates.
Why grow it
Mountain mahogany outperforms many ornamental shrubs in extremely arid, rocky sites where irrigation is impractical. Its persistent feathery seed heads offer late-season visual interest without requiring deadheading, and its dense growth habit makes it more effective than herbaceous groundcovers for slope stabilization. Unlike some xeriscape alternatives, it tolerates poor, shallow soils typical of degraded or exposed terrain.
Watch out for
Establishment can be slow, particularly in the first season after planting, so patience with growth rate is warranted. The plant's preference for excellent drainage means it may struggle in poorly amended clay soils without significant site preparation. In fire-prone regions, its dense, woody structure can accumulate dead material within the plant body, so occasional thinning may improve long-term health and reduce fire load.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Rosaceae
Native to the United States
Native Range
Southwestern United States and northern Mexico
Native to: Arizona, California, Oregon
Seasonality
Bloom Season
Season of Interest
Shrub
Woody multi-stem plants at eye level.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Propagation
A drought-tolerant native shrub with small leaves and feathery seed plumes that persist ornamentally into fall. Valued for xeriscape gardens and erosion control in arid and semi-arid climates.
Climate Match for your location
See how well Mountain Mahogany grows in your area.
Enter your ZIP code and we'll show you how this plant fits your local climate.
Why grow it
Mountain mahogany outperforms many ornamental shrubs in extremely arid, rocky sites where irrigation is impractical. Its persistent feathery seed heads offer late-season visual interest without requiring deadheading, and its dense growth habit makes it more effective than herbaceous groundcovers for slope stabilization. Unlike some xeriscape alternatives, it tolerates poor, shallow soils typical of degraded or exposed terrain.
Watch out for
Establishment can be slow, particularly in the first season after planting, so patience with growth rate is warranted. The plant's preference for excellent drainage means it may struggle in poorly amended clay soils without significant site preparation. In fire-prone regions, its dense, woody structure can accumulate dead material within the plant body, so occasional thinning may improve long-term health and reduce fire load.
Overview
- Form
- Growth Rate
- Size
- Dormancy
- Family
- Rosaceae
Native to the United States
Native Range
Southwestern United States and northern Mexico
Native to: Arizona, California, Oregon
Seasonality
Bloom Season
Season of Interest
Shrub
Woody multi-stem plants at eye level.
Succession Role
Tolerances & Soil
Establishment & Care
- Establishment
- Maintenance
- Propagation
Similar shrubs you might consider:
Enter your ZIP code to see top native species and strong climate fits for you.