Cercocarpus ledifolius
Curl-leaf Mountain Mahogany
Description
Very drought tolerant, handsome shrub. Leaves and young fresh growth is favored by wildlife. Medicinal uses include treating burns and rashes from a powder ground from the wood. This shrub reaches 20' tall and 12'-20' wide. It may have a rounded or vase shape. Evergreen leaves are oblong and vary in color from bluish green to silver or gray green. Flowers are inconspicuous. Large brown fruit appear in summer. This shrub does produce some litter. It does best in full sun in most types of soil. It does not tolerate ocean spray.
Plant Type
Shrub
Height Range
12-25'
Width Range
6-12'
Flower Color
n/a
Flower Season
n/a
Leaf Color
Blue Green, Grey Green, Silver
Bark Color
Grey
Fruit Color
Brown
Fruit Season
Summer
Sun
Full
Water
Very Low
Growth Rate
Moderate
Soil Type
Sandy, Clay, Loam
Soil Condition
Average, Poor, Dry
Soil pH
Acid, Neutral, Basic
Adverse Factors
n/a
Design Styles
Mediterranean, Ranch, Spanish
Accenting Features
Silhouette, Specimen
Seasonal Interest
Spring
Location Uses
Background, Walls / Fences
Special Uses
Erosion Control, Screen
Attracts Wildlife
Wildlife
Water Saving Tip:
Change spray sprinklers to low-flow bubbler or drip systems.
Shrubs and trees are ideal candidates for this type of irrigation because the water is applied directly to the root zones.