Birchleaf Mountain Mahogany
Cercocarpus betuloides · Rosaceae
- Form
- Shrub
- Height
- 6-20 ft
- Sun
- Full Sun
- Water
- Very Low
- Blooms
- Mar, Apr, May
- Habitat
- Montane · Chaparral · Oak Woodland
🌿 California native
Quick facts
- Habitat: Montane, Chaparral, Oak Woodland
- Form / size: Large shrub or small tree, 6-20 ft
- Sun: Full sun · Water (established): Very low
- Blooms: Spring · Pollinator value: Moderate
Description
A tough, upright shrub with small leathery leaves that are often toothed near the tip. The giveaway is the fruit: long, feathery, twisting seed tails that catch the light and make the shrub look smoky or silver after bloom.
Wildlife & pollinators
Provides cover, browse, and seed. The dense branching is useful nesting and shelter habitat.
Habitat & range
Dry mountain slopes, chaparral edges, rocky oak woodland, and open ridges. It is one of the classic woody plants of the chaparral-to-montane transition.
In the garden
Excellent for dry slopes, habitat hedges, and restoration plantings where a deep-rooted evergreen shrub is useful. It wants drainage, sun, and room to become woody.
Propagation
From seed. Fresh seed can germinate, but results improve with cleaning and seasonal timing. Deep containers help young plants form a strong root system.
Where to see it near you
- iNaturalist — observed in Southern California
- Dry slopes in the Santa Ana, San Gabriel, San Bernardino, and San Jacinto mountains.
Problems
Usually resilient. Avoid overwatering and soil disturbance once established.
