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smooth mountain mahogany

Scientific Name: Cercocarpus montanus var. minutiflorus

Family: Rosaceae

Category: Dicot

Growth: Tree, Shrub

Duration: Perennial

Other Names:

       

Mountain Mahogany (Cercocarpus)

Mountain mahogany refers to plants in the genus Cercocarpus, a small group containing about 10 species of shrubs or small trees.

Considerations for Pets

  • Some species have leaves with smooth or toothed edges.
  • The plant produces seeds with a feathery plume.

Considerations for Children

  • Some species have leaves with smooth or toothed edges.
  • The plant produces seeds with a feathery plume.

Common Names

  • Mountain Mahogany
  • Birch Leaf Mountain Mahogany
  • Smooth Mountain Mahogany
  • San Diego Mountain Mahogany
  • Mountain Ironwood
  • Curl-leaf Mountain Mahogany
  • Littleleaf Mountain Mahogany
  • Catalina Island Mountain Mahogany
  • Alderleaf Mountain Mahogany
  • Klamath Mountain Mahogany

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

  • Genus: Cercocarpus
  • Family: Rosaceae
  • The name Cercocarpus comes from the Greek, meaning "shuttle-fruit".
  • Synonyms: Several infraspecific taxa are listed, including:
    • Cercocarpus montanus Raf. var. minutiflorus (Abrams) F.L. Martin
    • Cercocarpus montanus Raf. var. glaber (S. Watson) F.L. Martin
    • Cercocarpus minutiflorus Abrams

Distribution and Habitat

  • Native to northern Mexico and the western United States.
  • Found on dry slopes, flats, and ridges of the foothills.
  • Specific mentions include Orange County, California, and Utah.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

  • Can be deciduous or evergreen shrubs or small trees.
  • Bark color can vary from bright red-brown to ashen or reddish-gray, and may be smooth. Older bark can turn gray.
  • Leaves are alternate and small, with smooth or toothed margins depending on the species/variety. Some varieties have leaves that are almost hairless.
  • The wood can be reddish.

Varieties

  • Cercocarpus montanus var. glaber (Birchleaf Mountain Mahogany)
  • Cercocarpus montanus var. macrus (Klamath Mountain Mahogany)
  • Cercocarpus montanus var. minutiflorus (Smooth Mountain Mahogany)
  • Cercocarpus montanus var. montanus (Alderleaf Mountain Mahogany)

Interactions with Other Organisms

  • The plant has mildly fragrant flowers.