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California Native Plant

Cercocarpus betuloides

Mountain Mahogany, Hardtack

Plant photo of: Cercocarpus betuloides
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Information by: Jerry Sortomme        Photographer:

 

Description

This evergreen shrub grows 15' high and 6' wide. It can be pruned to look like a small tree 20' tall. Small yellow, fragrant flowers cover the shrub in spring which contrast with the red stems. The leaves are small and oval-shaped. Feathery fruit hang on the shrub in fall and when backlit, gives off a silvery glow. This shrub tolerates full to part sun with rocky, poor soil. This California native is great for erosion control or revegetating an area. It is useful in narrow areas for privacy since it can be pruned into a privacy hedge. Deer browse this plant. It is wind tolerant and needs occasional water once it's established. Also known as Hardtack.

 

Plant Type

Tree, Shrub

Height Range

12-25'

Width Range

6-12'

Flower Color

Yellow

Flower Season

Spring

Leaf Color

Dark Green

Bark Color

n/a

Fruit Color

Brown

Fruit Season

Summer

Sun

Full, Half

Water

Very Low

Growth Rate

Moderate

Soil Type

Sandy, Rocky

Soil Condition

Average, Poor

Soil pH

Neutral

Adverse Factors

n/a

Design Styles

Ranch

Accenting Features

n/a

Seasonal Interest

n/a

Location Uses

Background, Foundation

Special Uses

Erosion Control, Naturalizing

Attracts Wildlife

Wildlife

Water Saving Tip:

Check your irrigation system for breaks, leaks and problems once a month.