Curlleaf mountain mahogany
Cercocarpus ledifolius
Curlleaf mountain mahogany (Cercocarpus ledifolius) is a Colorado-native shrub suited to the Colorado Front Range. It matures to about 10–20 ft tall and 8–15 ft wide, slow-growing, needs low water, and prefers full sun. Evergreen native large shrub / small tree. Iconic foothills silhouette. Feathery silver seed plumes.
Colorado nativeOn the CSU listlow water10–20 ft tall and 8–15 ft wideXeric / water-wiseDeer-resistant
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At a glance
- Botanical name
- Cercocarpus ledifolius
- Type
- Shrub
- Mature size
- 10–20 ft tall and 8–15 ft wide
- Planting spacing
- ~15 ft apart (10 ft for a hedge/screen)
- Hardiness zones
- USDA 3–8
- Growth rate
- Slow
- Water needs
- low water
- Sun
- Best in full sun.
- Colorado native
- Yes
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Soil
- sandy, well drained only
- Soil pH
- 6.5–8.5
- Hail tolerance
- high
- Wind tolerance
- high
- Salt tolerance
- moderate
- Firewise (defensible space)
- Zones 2–3 (keep it back from the house)
- Pollinator value
- low
- Site uses
- Slopes & erosion control, Hot south- or west-facing walls
Things to know before you plant
- Messy dropIt drops messy fruit, pods, or litter, so keep it off patios, walks, and pool decks.
Wildlife & ecology
- Pollinator value
- low
- Deer
- Generally deer-resistant
- Native ecoregion
- foothills
Planting & establishment
Slow to establish, patient watering first 2 summers. Bulletproof after.
- Fruit: ornamental.
Frequently asked questions
- Is Curlleaf mountain mahogany good for the Colorado Front Range?
- Yes, Curlleaf mountain mahogany is a well-suited shrub for Colorado's Front Range.
- What should I know before planting Curlleaf mountain mahogany?
- The main things to know: It drops messy fruit, pods, or litter, so keep it off patios, walks, and pool decks.
- How big does Curlleaf mountain mahogany get?
- It matures to about 10–20 ft tall and 8–15 ft wide.
- How far apart do I plant Curlleaf mountain mahogany?
- Space Curlleaf mountain mahogany about 15 ft apart for a full, natural form, or about 10 ft apart for a faster hedge or screen.
- Is Curlleaf mountain mahogany hardy on the Front Range?
- Curlleaf mountain mahogany is hardy in USDA 3–8. The Colorado Front Range spans roughly USDA 4b–6a, so it is well within range.
- How much water does Curlleaf mountain mahogany need?
- It needs low water once established.
- How fast does Curlleaf mountain mahogany grow?
- Curlleaf mountain mahogany is a slow-growing shrub. Growth rate depends on water and site conditions on the Front Range.
- Is Curlleaf mountain mahogany native to Colorado?
- Yes. It is a Colorado native.
- Is Curlleaf mountain mahogany deer-resistant?
- Curlleaf mountain mahogany is generally considered deer-resistant, though no plant is deer-proof when browse pressure is high.
- Is Curlleaf mountain mahogany a good firewise plant near the house?
- Curlleaf mountain mahogany is suitable in defensible-space zones 2–3, best kept back from the house rather than in the area right against the structure. This is general suitability guidance based on CSU Extension firewise plant lists, not a guarantee that any plant won't burn, a well-irrigated, well-maintained plant is the goal. Follow CSU Extension defensible-space guidance and check with your local fire district before planting in the wildland-urban interface.
