Mountain Mahogany
Mountain mahogany is a common native shrub of the foothills around Colorado Springs.
Its light green, wedge-shaped leaves have furry undersides. The small, yellowish-white flowers are not very showy, but have a pleasant sweet smell. They are followed by seeds with beautiful feathery tails. Mountain mahogany is an important plant for native insects and birds.
It can be a good choice for a windbreak or background plant, especially for landscapes that blend into natural areas.
Mountain Mahogany
Mountain mahogany is a common native shrub of the foothills around Colorado Springs.
Its light green, wedge-shaped leaves have furry undersides. The small, yellowish-white flowers are not very showy, but have a pleasant sweet smell. They are followed by seeds with beautiful feathery tails. Mountain mahogany is an important plant for native insects and birds.
It can be a good choice for a windbreak or background plant, especially for landscapes that blend into natural areas.
Plant details
Botanic Name
Cercocarpus montanus
Pronunciation
ser-ko-KAR-pus mon-TAY-nus
Mature Height
6 to 10 ft.
Mature Spread
4 to 6 ft.
Water usage
One Droplet: Water twice per month or less, once established.
Two Droplets: Water about once per week, once established.
Three Droplets: Water about twice per week, once established.
Flower Color
inconspicuous
Bloom time
late May through June
Colorado Native
Yes
Natural Habitat
western United States
Light Requirements
sun
Cold Hardiness
USDA zones 2-9
Elevation Limit
hardy to 10,000 ft.
Performance
This shrub grows natively in the foothills in the Colorado Springs area. There is one mountain mahogany growing at the Xeriscape Garden. It grows very well with very little maintenance or supplemental water.
Maintenance
Prune out dead branches as needed. Prune to desired shape when young, if desired.