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California Native Plant

Cercocarpus betuloides

Mountain Mahogany

Plant photo of: Cercocarpus betuloides
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Information by: PlantMaster        Photographer:

 

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.

 

Plant Type

Tree, Shrub

Height Range

12-25'

Flower Color

Yellow

Flower Season

Spring

Leaf Color

Green

Bark Color

Red

Fruit Color

White

Fruit Season

Fall

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

Design Styles

Mediterranean, Ranch, Spanish

Accenting Features

Fragrance, Multi-trunk Tree

Seasonal Interest

Spring, Fall

Location Uses

Background, Perennial Border, Shrub Border, Roadside, Walls / Fences

Special Uses

Erosion Control, Filler, Hedge, Screen, Mass Planting

Attracts Wildlife

Wildlife

Water Saving Tip:

Apply a layer of mulch around plants to reduce moisture loss.

Choose organic mulches, such as shredded bark, compost or aged sawdust.