Beechleaf Mahogany

Alderleaf, or true, mountain mahogany is a slow-growing western shrub that may become a small tree. Its leaves can be deciduous or semi-evergreen by location, and spring flowers develop into feathery-tailed fruits. The [North Carolina Extension Plant Toolbox](https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/cercocarpus-montanus/common-name/mountain-mahogany/) records Cercocarpus montanus in Rosaceae. ## Size and form North Carolina Extension lists a mature range of 8–20 feet tall and 4–8 feet wide. The catalog’s 2.5-meter height and 2-meter spread fit those ranges. [New Mexico State University](https://lowwaterplants.nmsu.edu/plants/true.html) notes plants in New Mexico are often shorter, while the [National Park Service](https://www.nps.gov/arch/learn/nature/rosaceae_cercocarpus_montanus.htm) reports plants reaching 4 meters at Arches; browsing and site conditions contribute to the variation. ## Siting Grow in sun in well-drained soil; sources report sandy through clay soils and dry rocky slopes. The [Santa Fe Botanical Garden](https://santafebotanicalgarden.gardenexplorer.org/taxon-746.aspx) documents USDA zone 4 and high drought tolerance, while North Carolina Extension lists zones 5–10. Use it as a background shrub, border, windbreak or erosion-control planting. ## Maintenance Water while establishing, then irrigate sparingly. It grows slowly from seed and tolerates cutting and browsing; prune as needed for shape or clearance.