Littleleaf mountain mahogany
Cercocarpus intricatus
Littleleaf mountain mahogany (Cercocarpus intricatus) is a Colorado-native shrub suited to the Colorado Front Range. It matures to about 3 to 6 ft tall and 3 to 5 ft wide, slow-growing, needs low water, and prefers full sun. Drought-tough native; tiny leaves shed hail. Best for slopes and dry banks.
Colorado nativeOn the CSU listlow water3 to 6 ft tall and 3 to 5 ft wideXeric / water-wise
Photos
- Photo 1: (c) Matt Berger, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Matt Berger
- Photo 2: Unknown, no known copyright restrictions (public domain)
- Photo 3: (c) Anders Hastings, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Anders Hastings
- Photo 4: (c) Steve Matson, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Steve Matson
- Photo 5: (c) Steve Matson, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Steve Matson
At a glance
Will it survive here?
- Hardiness zones
- USDA 3 to 8
- Water needs
- low water
- Sun
- Best in full sun.
- Soil
- sandy, loam, well drained only
- Soil pH
- 6.5 to 8.5
- Hail tolerance
- high
- Wind tolerance
- high
- Salt tolerance
- moderate
- Site uses
- Slopes & erosion control, Hot south- or west-facing walls
How big, what shape?
- Mature size
- 3 to 6 ft tall and 3 to 5 ft wide
- Planting spacing
- ~5 ft apart (4 ft for a hedge/screen)
- Growth rate
- Slow
What it looks like, and when
- Foliage
- Semi-evergreen
What it will do to your yard
- Hedge use
- Informal hedge or screen
Who else benefits
- Pollinator value
- low
- Deer
- Not rated
- Colorado native
- Yes
- Native ecoregion
- foothills
Also worth knowing
- Fire rating
- Ignitable (CSU): keep 30+ ft from the house, thinned
Things to know before you plant
- Messy dropIt drops messy fruit, pods, or litter, so keep it off patios, walks, and pool decks.
Planting & establishment
Water deeply 1×/week the first summer; taper to monthly. Very drought-tolerant once established.
- Pruning: light.
- Fruit: ornamental.
Frequently asked questions
- Is Littleleaf mountain mahogany good for the Colorado Front Range?
- Yes, Littleleaf mountain mahogany is a well-suited shrub for Colorado's Front Range.
- What should I know before planting Littleleaf 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 Littleleaf mountain mahogany get?
- It matures to about 3 to 6 ft tall and 3 to 5 ft wide.
- How far apart do I plant Littleleaf mountain mahogany?
- Space Littleleaf mountain mahogany about 5 ft apart for a full, natural form, or about 4 ft apart for a faster hedge or screen.
- Is Littleleaf mountain mahogany hardy on the Front Range?
- Littleleaf mountain mahogany is hardy in USDA 3 to 8. The Colorado Front Range spans roughly USDA 4b to 6a, so it is well within range.
- How much water does Littleleaf mountain mahogany need?
- It needs low water once established.
- How fast does Littleleaf mountain mahogany grow?
- Littleleaf mountain mahogany is a slow-growing shrub. Growth rate depends on water and site conditions on the Front Range.
- Is Littleleaf mountain mahogany native to Colorado?
- Yes. It is a Colorado native.
- Is Littleleaf mountain mahogany a good firewise plant near the house?
- Littleleaf mountain mahogany is listed by CSU Extension among the more ignitable plants, so keep it 30 or more feet from the house and keep it thinned and well maintained. This is general guidance based on CSU Extension Fact Sheet 6.305 (2025), 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.
- Is Littleleaf mountain mahogany a good hedge plant?
- Yes, as an informal hedge. Littleleaf mountain mahogany works best as a relaxed hedge or screen kept to its natural form rather than sheared into a tight box.
