Cercocarpus minutiflorus - San Diego Mountain Mahogany (15 Gallon)

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A captivating California native, San Diego Mountain Mahogany brings understated elegance and year-round beauty to refined, drought-conscious landscapes. Native to coastal Orange and San Diego counties and the western slopes of the Peninsular Ranges, this graceful shrub thrives at elevations from sea level to approximately 4,300 feet.

Growing quickly to around 8 feet before maturing at a more measured pace, it develops a distinctive, natural silhouette. Its delicate, birch-like foliage emerges in luminous emerald green during winter and spring, deepening into rich, dark green leaves that curl gracefully through the dry summer months. Subtle yellow flowers add a touch of seasonal charm, while its most extraordinary feature arrives in late summer and early fall: abundant, feathery silver seed plumes that shimmer in the sunlight. When backlit, they create a breathtaking silvery halo, lending the garden an ethereal, almost luminous quality.

A distinguished choice for elegant, water-wise gardens, San Diego Mountain Mahogany works beautifully as a natural hedge, screening shrub, or sculptural accent in Southern California landscapes.

Growing Conditions & Care

• Light: Thrives in full sun to partial shade.
• Water: Drought-tolerant once established, with occasional summer irrigation of up to once monthly when appropriate.
• Placement: Performs particularly well near seasonal creeks or in areas receiving occasional supplemental moisture.
• Pruning: Can resprout from the stump following fire or severe pruning, making it a resilient addition to native landscapes.

With its graceful foliage, extraordinary silver seed displays, and enduring connection to California's native landscape, San Diego Mountain Mahogany is a distinctive choice for gardens where natural beauty and refined simplicity come together.