Care of the shrub Cercocarpus montanus or Mountain Mahogany |
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The genus Cercocarpus, family Rosaceae, includes about 50 species of shrubs and trees native to Central and North America. Some species are: Cercocarpus montanus, Cercocarpus betuloides, Cercocarpus intricatus, Cercocarpus breviflorus, Cercocarpus fothergilloides. Common names: Mountain Mahogany, Alderleaf mountain mahogany, Alder-leaf cercocarpus, True mountain-mahogany. This species is native to northern Mexico and western USA. They are shrubs or small evergreen trees that reach 6 meters (19.68 feet) in height. The small but attractive leaves, dark green above and silvery below, have serrated edges. The cream-colored flowers are of no decorative interest. They bloom in spring. The decorative feathery fruits remain on the plant until mid-autumn. They are used on slopes to prevent erosion, to fix Nitrogen in the soil, in bush groups and as isolated specimens. Cercocarpus montanus prefers full sun exposure but also grows in semi-shade. It resists light and occasional frosts. They grow in any type of soil that has good drainage, whether clay, poor, sandy or stony. They are drought-resistant shrubs that need moderate watering until the substrate has completely dried. They do not need fertilizer. They can be lightly pruned in late winter to maintain a compact habit. They are plants resistant to the usual pests and diseases; the accumulation of water in the roots must be watched. They are propagated by woody cuttings in summer and from spring sown seeds soaked for half an hour before sowing but this is a slow process. |
Images of the shrub Cercocarpus montanus or Mountain Mahogany |
 Cercocarpus montanus  Cercocarpus montanus  Cercocarpus montanus  Cercocarpus montanus  Cercocarpus montanus |