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alderleaf mountain mahogany

Scientific Name: Cercocarpus montanus

Family: Rosaceae

Category: Dicot

Growth: Tree, Shrub

Duration: Perennial

Other Names:

       

Alderleaf Mountain Mahogany: A Botanical Profile

Alderleaf Mountain Mahogany, scientifically known as Cercocarpus montanus, is a fascinating plant with several common names, including alder-leaf cercocarpus, and true mountain-mahogany. It is also referred to as Birchleaf Mountain Mahogany, Silver Mountain Mahogany, and Island Mountain Mahogany.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

  • Scientific Name: Cercocarpus montanus Raf.
  • Family: Rosaceae (Rose Family)
  • Synonyms: alderleaf cercocarpus, mountain-mahogany, true mountain-mahogany, birchleaf mountain-mahogany.
  • Varieties:
    • var. argenteus (Silver Mountain Mahogany)
    • var. blancheae (Island Mountain Mahogany)
    • var. glaber
    • var. montanus

Considerations for Pets

  • The plant is a shrub or small tree with reddish-brown stems that become pale as they age.
  • The fruits of the Alderleaf Mountain Mahogany may present a choking hazard.

Considerations for Children

  • The plant is a shrub or small tree with reddish-brown stems that become pale as they age.
  • The fruits of the Alderleaf Mountain Mahogany may present a choking hazard.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

  • Cercocarpus montanus is a deciduous perennial shrub, typically growing to a height of 3.96 to 13.2 feet (1.2 to 4 meters).
  • It can also present as a small tree, ranging from 7 to 20 feet in height.
  • The leaves are alternate, simple, and entire (smooth-edged). They can be dark green on top with a fuzzy underside.
  • Stems are reddish brown, turning pale with age.

Distribution and Habitat

  • Cercocarpus montanus can be found at Mahogany Mountain, Idaho and Mt. Nebo foothills in the Stansbury Mountains. It also occurs in lower Neff's Canyon trail, Wasatch mountains, Neff's Canyon, Salt.
  • It thrives in dry environments and is drought-tolerant.

Ecological Role

  • Alderleaf Mountain Mahogany sometimes occurs throughout much of the same range as Curlleaf Mountain Mahogany.

Other relevant information

  • The leaves are broader than other mountain mahogany species with crowded parallel veins.
  • Very drought tolerant and will drop its leaves in extreme drought.