Quick Facts
Common Name: True Mountain Mahogany
Scientific Name: Cercocarpus montanus
Native / Introduced: Native
Main Uses:
~Rangeland
~Wildlife Habitat improvement
~Mine Reclamation
~Native Landscaping
Height: 3-10 feet
Colors: Yellow blossoms
Flowering Season: May to June
Soil Types: Well-drained, medium-fine to medium-coarse textures
Elevation: 4,000 - 8,000 feet
Tolerances: Moderate Acid & Alkali
Sun or Shade: Full sun, partial shade
Minimum Precipitation: 9-12 inches
Lifecycle: Perennial
Estimated Seeds Per Pound: 59,000
Optimal Planting Season: Fall
Planting Depth: 1/4 - 1/2 inches
 
Description
True Mountain Mahogany (also called Birchleaf and Alderleaf Mountain Mahogan) is a deciduous shrub or small tree that is distributed throughout the entire western United States, except for the northern third. It is generally found at elevations between 4,000 to 10,000 feet and is most common on well-drained, medium-fine to medium-coarse textured soils, often in rocky or gravelly areas. True Mountain Mahogany is a heat and drought-tolerant species and is moderately tolerant of acid and alkali soils.

True Mountain Mahogany is a valuable forage species that is very palatable all year long and provides good to excellent forage for some livestock and wildlife, even in the winter. It is commonly used in range and wildlife habitat improvement projects due to its ability to provide food and cover for wildlife and its palatability to livestock. True Mountain Mahogany is also an important species for erosion control and for restoration of disturbed sites. Its heat and drought tolerance make it a valuable option for land managers in areas with limited water resources.
 
Resources
NRCS Plant Profile: https://plants.usda.gov/home/plantProfile?symbol=CEMO2
 
Photo Credit: Steve Hurst and Andrey Zharkikh