SafePlants

Mountain Mahogany (Cercocarpus)

Mountain Mahogany refers to a small genus, Cercocarpus, within the rose family (Rosaceae). Several species and varieties are commonly called "mountain mahogany," often differentiated by descriptors like "hairy" or "alderleaf."

Considerations for Pets

• Several species, such as Cercocarpus ledifolius, have hairy achenes (fruits) that could potentially cause minor skin irritation or digestive upset if ingested by pets.
• Some varieties, like the California Mountain Mahogany (Cercocarpus betuloides), have resinous foliage that could cause mild skin irritation.

Considerations for Children

• Several species, such as Cercocarpus ledifolius, have hairy achenes (fruits) that could potentially cause minor skin irritation or digestive upset if ingested by children.
• Some varieties, like the California Mountain Mahogany (Cercocarpus betuloides), have resinous foliage that could cause mild skin irritation.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Cercocarpus
• Family: Rosaceae (Rose Family)
• Common Names: Mountain Mahogany, Hairy Mountain Mahogany, Desert Mountain Mahogany, Alderleaf Mountain Mahogany, Birchleaf Mountain Mahogany, Littleleaf Mountain Mahogany
• Species & Varieties:
  • Cercocarpus breviflorus A.Gray (Hairy Mountain Mahogany)
  • Cercocarpus ledifolius
  • Cercocarpus montanus Raf.
  • Cercocarpus montanus Raf. var. paucidentatus (S. Watson) F.L. Martin (Hairy Mountain Mahogany)
  • Cercocarpus betuloides &#8211 Birch-leaf mountain mahogany
• Synonyms/Alternative Names: Shaggy Mountain Mahogany, Sweet Brush

Morphological Characteristics & Growth Habits

• Mountain Mahogany can be a shrub or a small deciduous tree.
• Mature height can range from 7 to 20 feet, with some varieties reaching up to 8 feet.
• Bark color ranges from bright red-brown (initially hairy) to ashen or reddish-gray (smooth in maturity).
• Leaves can be leathery, shiny dark green above, and paler/finely hairy beneath, with edges rolled under. Some varieties, like *Cercocarpus montanus*, have leaves that are densely pubescent (hairy) underneath.
• Some species may have very sticky buds with curled phyllaries.
• The fruit is a hairy achene, typically one half to just over one centimeter in length, with long and twisted hairy tails.

Distribution and Habitat

• Native to North America.
• Found in areas such as northern regions, Colorado, southern New Mexico, and the Arizona mountains.
• Often found in pine-oak woodlands in the Arizona mountains.
• The "Limestone specialist" species is Cercocarpus breviflorus.

Quirky Facts

• The hairy tails on the seeds of Alder-leaf Mountain Mahogany are extensions of the flower style.
• The foliage of California Mountain Mahogany (Cercocarpus betuloides) is resinous and aromatic.