Plant Highlights

Island Mountain Mahogany, Cercocarpus alnifolius, is an evergreen multitrunk shrub, 12' tall, 4' wide, with leaves to the base. This variety is uncommon in mainland California, but is native to Catalina Island. It is rather like C. betuloides, but with larger leaves and it is more garden tolerant. Because of its narrow habit it is an excellent screen or large border shrub.

Mountain Mahogany will thrive in full sun and dry soil. It is frost hardy, may become deciduous but will recover in spring. Inconspicuous tiny flowers in spring attract pollinating insects;attractive silvery seed pods are curly and fuzzy. Once established will only need to be watered once a month if at all.

All the Cercocarpus species are nitrogen fixing and good for revegetation, erosion control and wildlife.