Curl-leaf Mountain Mahogany

Curl-leaf mountain mahogany is a long-lived evergreen shrub or small tree with leathery curled leaves and corkscrew seed plumes. It is adapted to dry, rocky western sites and may be kept as a shrub or trained toward a tree form. [Utah State University Extension](https://extension.usu.edu/cwel/research/curl-leaf-mountain-mahogany-in-the-landscape) recommends it for low-water landscapes and reports high drought tolerance. ## Size and form Mature plants vary from shrubs to trees. [Oregon State University](https://landscapeplants.oregonstate.edu/plants/cercocarpus-ledifolius) describes plants to about 15 feet, occasionally taller, with a similar spread; the catalog’s 3.5-meter height and 2.5-meter width are compatible with those approximate dimensions. Growth is slow and full size may take many decades. ## Siting Plant in sun or part shade in well-drained coarse or rocky soil. Utah State gives USDA zones 3–8 and notes the deep taproot makes transplanting difficult. Foliage is aromatic and evergreen; flowers are small, pale rose and inconspicuous. Use it for screening or soil stabilization on suitable dry sites. ## Maintenance Water during establishment, then reduce irrigation. Prune in winter when shaping is needed; the plant tolerates hedging and shearing. Protect young plants from competition as roots develop.