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, needs low water, and prefers full sun. Drought-tough native; tiny leaves shed hail. Best for slopes and dry banks.
Colorado nativelow water3–6 ft tall and 3–5 ft wideXeric / water-wiseDeer-resistant
Photos
At a glance
- Botanical name
- Cercocarpus intricatus
- Type
- Shrub
- Mature size
- 3–6 ft tall and 3–5 ft wide
- Water needs
- low water
- Sun
- 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
- Pollinator value
- low
- Good for
- slope, south wall
Planting & establishment
Water deeply 1×/week the first summer; taper to monthly. Very drought-tolerant once established.
Frequently asked questions
- Is Littleleaf mountain mahogany good for the Colorado Front Range?
- Yes. Littleleaf mountain mahogany is included in the Front Range Plant Finder as a shrub suited to Colorado's Front Range.
- How big does Littleleaf mountain mahogany get?
- It matures to about 3–6 ft tall and 3–5 ft wide.
- How much water does Littleleaf mountain mahogany need?
- It needs low water once established.
- Is Littleleaf mountain mahogany native to Colorado?
- Yes — it is a Colorado native.
