Littleleaf mountain mahogany
Cercocarpus intricatus
Littleleaf mountain mahogany is a densely branched, twiggy, broadleaf evergreen shrub that primarily grows wild in parts of the southwestern U.S., including western Colorado, Utah, northern Arizona and central California. Use it in low-water landscapes or naturalistic landscapes, or include it as a small-scale hedge plant for sunny, dry spots.
Dense, twiggy branches with narrow, silvery-green leaves offer year-round cover and foraging areas for songbirds. Petite, spring flowers that attract native bees transform into attractive, feathery seedpods. This is a slow-growing, small to medium-sized shrub.
Read the full plant story here. Tips from the pros: Can get lanky over time. Responds well to light pruning. Doesn't need much, pretty much takes care of itself.
Dense, twiggy branches with narrow, silvery-green leaves offer year-round cover and foraging areas for songbirds. Petite, spring flowers that attract native bees transform into attractive, feathery seedpods. This is a slow-growing, small to medium-sized shrub.
Read the full plant story here. Tips from the pros: Can get lanky over time. Responds well to light pruning. Doesn't need much, pretty much takes care of itself.
| Plant Type | Shrubs |
| Height | 4-5 feet |
| Width | 3-4 feet |
| Flowering Season | Spring |
| Flower Color | Inconspicuous |
| Sun | Sun |
| Water Needs | Moderate to xeric |
| USDA Hardiness Zone | Zones 3-9 |
| Soil Type | Clay, Loam, Sandy |
| Deer Resistant | Yes |
| Good for Pollination | Yes |
| Winter Interest | Yes |
| North American Native | Yes |
| Native Origins | AZ, CA, CO, NM, NV, UT, WY |
| Year Introduced | 2009 |
| Annual Commercial Maintenance | Shear once a year from much tighter growth. Can also be sheared in the spring to shape into a short hedge if desired. |
| 5-10 Year Commercial Maintenance | Follow annual maintenance. |
| Elevation Guide | Up to 8125 ft |
