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alderleaf mountain mahogany

Scientific Name: Cercocarpus montanus var. montanus

Family: Rosaceae

Category: Dicot

Growth: Tree, Shrub

Duration: Perennial

Other Names:

       

Cercocarpus montanus: Alderleaf Mountain Mahogany

Cercocarpus montanus, commonly known as alderleaf mountain mahogany, is a versatile shrub or small tree belonging to the Rosaceae (Rose) family.

Common Names

  • Alderleaf Mountain Mahogany
  • Alder-leaf Cercocarpus
  • True Mountain Mahogany
  • Birchleaf Mountain Mahogany
  • Silver Mountain Mahogany
  • Island Mountain Mahogany

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

  • Scientific Name: Cercocarpus montanus Raf.
  • Family: Rosaceae (Rose Family)
  • Synonyms: Alderleaf Cercocarpus, True Mountain-mahogany, Birchleaf Mountain-mahogany
  • Varieties:
    • Cercocarpus montanus var. argenteus (Silver Mountain Mahogany)
    • Cercocarpus montanus var. blancheae (Island Mountain Mahogany)
    • Cercocarpus montanus var. glaber
    • Cercocarpus montanus var. montanus

Morphological Characteristics

  • Growth Habit: Deciduous perennial shrub or small tree, typically 8-20 feet (1.2 to 4 meters) tall.
  • Stems: Reddish brown when young, turning pale with age.
  • Leaves: Alternate, simple, entire or toothed, dark green on top and fuzzy underneath, almost-evergreen. Broader leaves compared to other mountain mahogany species, with crowded parallel veins. Drought tolerant and will drop leaves in extreme conditions.

Considerations for Pets

  • The text mentions the presence of seeds on the plant, which could be a potential choking hazard if ingested.

Distribution and Habitat

  • Occurs in the South Rim forest and is found at locations like Mahogany Mountain, Idaho, and Neff's Canyon in the Wasatch Mountains.
  • Adaptable to dry conditions, thriving with low water use and high CaCO3 tolerance.

Ecological Role

  • In some study sites, true mountain mahogany is a dominant or subdominant plant.

Quirky Facts

  • An Alderleaf Mountain Mahogany stood as the National Big Tree Champion from 1999 until 2009, recognized as the largest of its species in the nation.
  • The Navajo name for Mountain Mahogany means "as heavy as stone."

Further Information

  • Dave's Garden offers tips and ideas for gardens.
  • Encyclopedia of Life contains information and articles about Cercocarpus montanus.
  • Discover Life provides details on the biology, natural history, ecology, identification, and distribution of the species.