Family: Rosaceae
Author: Raf.
Bibliography: Atlantic J. 1: 146 (1832)
Year: 1832
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Cercocarpus
Vegetable: Unknown
Observations: W. & C. U.S.A. to N. Mexico
Description
Mountain-mahogany, scientifically known as Cercocarpus montanus, is a distinguished member of the Rosaceae family, embodying the rugged beauty and resilience of the landscapes it inhabits. Detailed for the first time in the early 19th century by Raf. in the Atlantic Journal, this species stands as a remarkable representative of the flora found from the Western and Central regions of the United States extending down to New Mexico.
This deciduous shrub or small tree thrives in diverse environments, often flourishing in the rocky terrains and open woodlands that define its natural habitat. It is easily recognized by its dense, rounded foliage, which provides a lush backdrop of greenery. The leaves of the Mountain-mahogany are typically oblanceolate to lanceolate in shape, with a distinctive serrated margin that sets it apart from other species in its family.
In early spring, the Mountain-mahogany adorns itself with small, understated white to pale yellow flowers. Each blossom, though modest in appearance, plays a crucial role in the plant’s reproductive cycle, eventually giving way to its most striking feature: the feathery, plume-like seeds. These achenes, equipped with long, silky tails, are not only a visual delight but also an ingenious adaptation for wind dispersal, enabling the species to colonize new areas effectively.
Ecologically, Cercocarpus montanus is a keystone species in many of its native habitats. Its deep-rooting system is vital for soil stabilization, particularly on slopes and erosion-prone areas. Moreover, it provides critical forage for wildlife, especially in the form of browse for deer and other herbivores. Its dense thickets also offer shelter and nesting sites for various bird species, effectively integrating itself into the web of life that thrives in these regions.
Mountain-mahogany’s wood is dense and hard, characteristics that historically made it a valuable resource for tool making and other utilitarian purposes. Today, it continues to be appreciated not only for its ecological importance but also for its aesthetic value in native landscaping and restoration projects.
In conclusion, Cercocarpus montanus is more than just a plant; it is a silent witness to the natural history and resilience of the American West. Its presence from Washington through the central United States and down to New Mexico highlights its adaptability and the critical role it plays in maintaining the ecological balance of these regions.
Common Names
Eng: alderleaf cercocarpus, alderleaf mountain-mahogany, birchleaf mountain-mahogany, mountain-mahogany, true mountain-mahogany, alder-leaf mountain-mahogany, alder-leaf cercocarpus, silverleaf mountain-mahogany
En: Mountain-mahogany, Alderleaf mountain mahogany, True mountain-mahogany, Mountain mahogany, Mountain Mahogony, MOUNTAINMAHOGANY, TRUE MOUNTAINMAHOGANY, Alderleaf mountain-mahogany, Birchleaf mountain mahogany, Birchleaf mountainmahogany, True mountain mahogany, Alderleaf cercocarpus, Birchleaf mountain-mahogany, Alder-leaf mountain-mahogany, Alder-leaf cercocarpus, Silverleaf mountain-mahogany
Fi: Leppärautaispensas
Fr: Cercocarpe de montagne
Nv: Tséʼésdaazí
Synonyms
- Cercocarpus flabellifolius (Rydb.)
- Cercocarpus minutiflorus (Abrams)
- Cercocarpus parvifolius var. breviflorus (Coville ex M.E.Jones)
- Cercocarpus parvifolius var. typicus (C.K.Schneid.)
- Alnus cuneata (Geyer ex Walp.)
- Cercocarpus parvifolius var. minimus (C.K.Schneid.)
- Cercocarpus montanus var. flabellifolius ((Rydb.) Kearney & Peebles)
- Cercocarpus parvifolius var. hirsutissimus (C.K.Schneid.)
- Cercocarpus montanus var. minutiflorus ((Abrams) F.L.Martin)
- Cercocarpus parvifolius (Nutt. ex Hook. & Arn.)
Distribution
- Arizona (native)
- Colorado (native)
- Idaho (native)
- Mexico Northeast (native)
- Mexico Northwest (native)
- Nebraska (native)
- Nevada (native)
- New Mexico (native)
- Oklahoma (native)
- South Dakota (native)
- Texas (native)
- Utah (native)
- Wyoming (native)
Additional Images
Leaf
Taken Oct 26, 2019 by Kim Erickson (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 14, 2011 by EOL − bob-dodge (cc-by)
Taken Aug 7, 2019 by kristin kristin compton (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 25, 2019 by Kyle Burrell (cc-by-sa)
Taken Oct 16, 2015 by EOL − matthew_salkiewicz (cc-by-nc)
Flower
Taken Mar 31, 2012 by EOL − Gary A. Monroe (cc-by-nc)
Taken Mar 2, 2016 by EOL − Evan Albright (cc-by-nc)
Taken Mar 9, 2016 by EOL − Evan Albright (cc-by-nc)
Taken Jun 24, 2021 by Edward Camp (cc-by-sa)
Taken Nov 13, 2021 by Mayfield Ellis (cc-by-sa)
Fruit
Taken Sep 8, 2015 by EOL − Daniel Palmer (cc-by-nc)
Taken Oct 16, 1998 by EOL − Charles Webber (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Aug 2, 2008 by EOL − Zoya Akulova (cc-by-nc)
Taken Mar 31, 2012 by EOL − Gary A. Monroe (cc-by-nc)
Taken Oct 16, 2015 by EOL − matthew_salkiewicz (cc-by-nc)
Bark
Taken Dec 25, 2012 by EOL − Ron Vanderhoff (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Jul 10, 2020 by jeffrey hinz (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 21, 2013 by EOL − Keir Morse (cc-by-nc-sa)
Taken Apr 6, 2016 by EOL − James Bailey (cc-by-nc)
Taken Jul 13, 2018 by Sandy Rowley (cc-by-sa)
Habit
Taken Jan 4, 2016 by EOL − James Bailey (cc-by-nc)
Taken Jan 6, 2016 by EOL − Neil Frakes (cc-by-nc)
Taken Nov 23, 2015 by EOL − James Bailey (cc-by-nc)
Taken Jul 4, 2013 by EOL − Ken-ichi Ueda (cc-by-nc)
Taken Aug 21, 2013 by EOL − Keir Morse (cc-by-nc-sa)
Other
Taken Oct 26, 2019 by Kim Erickson (cc-by-sa)
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
Sources
- WFO (No URL)
- IPNI (No URL)
- GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/3001912)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:30056319-2)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Cercocarpus montanus Raf.)