Littleleaf Mountain Mahogany

Littleleaf mountain mahogany is a densely branched evergreen shrub with narrow, silvery-green leaves and small spring flowers. Its feathery seed tails add texture, and its drought tolerance suits sunny western gardens. [Plant Select](https://plantselect.org/plant/cercocarpus-intricatus/) recommends it for low-water landscapes, and [Kew](https://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:722108-1) accepts Cercocarpus intricatus as a species. ## Size and form Plant Select gives a typical size of 4–5 feet tall by 3–4 feet wide. The [National Park Service](https://www.nps.gov/arch/learn/nature/rosaceae_cercocarpus_intricatus.htm) reports plants around 0.5–2 meters tall. The catalog’s 2-meter height remains within that range. Its 1.5-meter width exceeds the published garden spread, so width is left unresolved instead of assigning a new point. ## Siting Use full sun and sharply drained soil. Plant Select describes moderate-to-xeric water needs. Its petite spring flowers attract native bees, and dense branches provide cover and forage for songbirds. ## Maintenance This slow-growing shrub needs little routine care. Allow its natural branching to develop; if it becomes lanky, light pruning can shape it or maintain a small hedge. Avoid overwatering after establishment.