Cercocarpus Betuloides - Mountain Mahogany (1 Gallon)

About this item

A remarkable Western native, Mountain Mahogany is prized for its sculptural branching, enduring resilience, and exceptional adaptation to dry, challenging landscapes. An evergreen or semi-evergreen shrub or small tree, depending on the species and climate, it develops a distinctive silhouette of dense, often contorted branches complemented by rich foliage and rugged character. Its exceptionally hard, reddish-brown heartwood lends the plant its evocative name, although it is not a true mahogany.

In winter and spring, subtle white, cream, or yellow flowers emerge, followed by extraordinary feathery seed plumes with gracefully curled, tail-like forms that catch the sunlight and add delicate movement to the landscape. These distinctive seed heads provide ornamental interest long after flowering has passed.

Native to the western United States and northern Mexico, Mountain Mahogany is exceptionally well suited to naturalistic landscapes, mountain gardens, and water-wise designs. Its deep-rooted nature, nitrogen-fixing root associations, and adaptability to rocky, well-drained soils make it a valuable choice for challenging sites and erosion control. It also provides important food and shelter for native wildlife, including deer, elk, and bighorn sheep.

With its rugged elegance and remarkable drought tolerance once established, Mountain Mahogany brings a sense of permanence and understated beauty to landscapes designed to thrive in harmony with their surroundings.

Plant Details

• Botanical Name: Cercocarpus species
• Plant Type: Evergreen or semi-evergreen shrub or small tree, depending on species and climate
• Native Range: Western United States and northern Mexico
• Mature Height: Typically 6–20 ft.; some varieties may reach 30 ft.
• Light Requirements: Full sun to partial shade
• Water Requirements: Very low once established
• Soil Requirements: Well-drained soils, including rocky and dry, clay-based soils
• Landscape Uses: Native gardens, erosion control, wildlife habitat, naturalistic landscapes, and drought-tolerant plantings

A study in resilience and natural elegance, Mountain Mahogany offers distinctive form, remarkable adaptability, and lasting ecological value for the thoughtfully designed, water-wise garden.