Alderleaf Mountain Mahogany
ExplorePlants
Alderleaf Mountain Mahogany
cercocarpus montanus
Alderleaf Mountain Mahogany (Cercocarpus montanus) is a hardy, long-lived deciduous shrub or small tree native to the mountainous regions and chaparrals of western North America. Belonging to the rose family, this resilient plant plays a critical role in its arid ecosystems by stabilizing rocky slopes and providing crucial winter forage for local wildlife. Its common name references the resemblance of its leaves to those of alders, and its extremely hard, dense wood that resembles true mahogany.
Habitat: Found on dry, rocky slopes, canyon walls, and foothills within chaparral and pinyon-juniper woodlands.
Appearance
This woody shrub typically stands 1 to 4 meters tall, featuring upright, spreading branches with greyish bark. The small, wedge-shaped leaves are dark green above and paler beneath, with distinctive serrated teeth along the upper margins. In late spring, it produces small, inconspicuous, yellowish-white flowers, which are quickly replaced in late summer by highly distinctive, feather-like seed tails that measure up to 8 centimeters long and shimmer beautifully in the sunlight.
KingdomPlantaePhylumTracheophytaClassMagnoliopsidaOrderRosalesFamilyRosaceaeGenusCercocarpus
Category
PlantsRarity
Common
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Snaps
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Interesting facts
Its feathery, corkscrew-shaped seed tails act like hygroscopic drills, screwing themselves into the dry ground as they wet and dry.
Native Americans traditionally used the hard wood to make specialized tools, such as digging sticks, arrows, and clubs.
The wood is so remarkably dense and heavy that it does not float in water.
Special abilities
Ability
Self-Drilling Seeds
The plumose style of the seed twists and untwists in response to changes in humidity, physically screwing the seed into the soil.
Ability
Nitrogen Fixation
Establishes a mutualistic relationship with Frankia bacteria in its roots to convert atmospheric nitrogen into a usable nutrient form.
Ability
Drought Endurance
Possesses a deep, extensive taproot system and leathery leaves that minimize water loss in arid environments.
Measurements & details
- Length
- 100-400 cm
- Lifespan
- 50-150 years
Diet & Feeding
As a plant, it creates its own energy through photosynthesis, drawing water and minerals from the soil while fixing nitrogen through root nodules.
Primary Foods
- Sunlight
- Water
- Carbon dioxide
- Soil minerals
Ecological connections
eaten by
Mule Deer
Odocoileus hemionus
Provides critical browse during winter when other food sources are scarce.
mutualism
Frankia Bacteria
Frankia spp.
Symbiotic root partner that assists in converting nitrogen for the plant's use.
eaten by
Elk
Cervus canadensis
Feeds on the foliage and tender twigs, utilizing the plant for cover.
Traits
No trait badges are assigned for this object yet.
Also known as
No aliases listed yet.
Collections
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Safety
Danger
1/5 · Very low
No special safety notes yet.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to identify Alderleaf Mountain Mahogany?
The easiest way to identify Alderleaf Mountain Mahogany is to use the Snappit nature identifier app.
How long is Alderleaf Mountain Mahogany?
100-400 cm
How long does Alderleaf Mountain Mahogany live?
50-150 years
What does Alderleaf Mountain Mahogany eat?
As a plant, it creates its own energy through photosynthesis, drawing water and minerals from the soil while fixing nitrogen through root nodules.
Where is Alderleaf Mountain Mahogany usually found?
Found on dry, rocky slopes, canyon walls, and foothills within chaparral and pinyon-juniper woodlands.
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