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 3–6 ft tall and 3–5 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 water3–6 ft tall and 3–5 ft wideXeric / water-wiseDeer-resistant
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At a glance
- Botanical name
- Cercocarpus intricatus
- Type
- Shrub
- Mature size
- 3–6 ft tall and 3–5 ft wide
- Planting spacing
- ~5 ft apart (4 ft for a hedge/screen)
- Hedge use
- Informal hedge or screen
- Hardiness zones
- USDA 3–8
- Growth rate
- Slow
- Water needs
- low water
- Sun
- Best in full sun.
- Colorado native
- Yes
- Foliage
- Semi-evergreen
- Soil
- sandy, loam, 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
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 3–6 ft tall and 3–5 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 3–8. The Colorado Front Range spans roughly USDA 4b–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 deer-resistant?
- Littleleaf mountain mahogany is generally considered deer-resistant, though no plant is deer-proof when browse pressure is high.
- Is Littleleaf mountain mahogany a good firewise plant near the house?
- Littleleaf 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.
- 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.
