Description

Curl leaf mountain mahogany is one of four species of Cercocarpus found in California. All are found in our mountains and foothills. This species inhabits the taller crests of most California mountain ranges except those of the Central Coast. In these cool, dry settings it slowly grows to a remarkable age of more than one thousand years. It forms a rounded to upright shrub with an open structure revealing attractive steel gray bark. The small rounded leaves contrast nicely with the bark. In summer the wispy seed heads appear, lending a glow to the plant for several weeks. Although commonly found in alpine habitats, curl leaf mountain mahogany is quite adaptable to a variety of growing sites. It seems quite hardy in a pot, and is a good candidate for a unique native centerpiece in a large pot. In the nursery it seems to appreciate full sun and grows about as fast as a manzanita - maybe six inches a year. Provide a sunny, well-draining site and little or no summer water.