Mountain Mahogany

Genus Cercocarpus
Rose Family (Rosaceae)



Curl-Leaf Mountain Mahogany -- Stansbury Mountains

Curl-Leaf Mountain Mahogany
(Cercocarpus ledifolius)

This is a shrub or small tree that often grows on high, dry ridges. The small pink flowers bloom in June. As the seeds mature, each one develops a long feathery tail. The leaves are grayish-green, and quite thick and leathery. The edges are smooth, and are curled under.


Alder-Leaf Mountain Mahogany -- Mt. Nebo foothills

Alder-Leaf Mountain Mahogany
(Cercocarpus montanus)

This shrub is usually found on dry hillsides. The flowers and seeds are very similar to the Curl-Leaf species described above, but the leaves look very different. They have toothed edges like the leaves of the alder and other members of the Birch Family.

Both species are good browse for deer.


Photographed
by Sandra Bray


Tooele County
and Juab County, Utah


References