Littleleaf Mountain Mahogany

Cercocarpus intricatus

Plant Details:

Plant Type: Shrub
Plant Family: Rosaceae
Plant Description: Medium-small evergreen shrub native to the western United States. Very similar to C. ledifolius only in miniature although usually found in more drought-prone areas. Small pinkish flowers appear in late-spring turning to attractive plumed seeds in the summer months. Requires no additional irrigation and prefers well-drained soils.

Maintenance:

Maintenance Type: Shrub - Thinning
Plant Care: Shrub - Thinning (woody multi-stemmed plants that lose their leaves every winter and look best on older stems): Prune dead, diseased, or rubbing branches. Pruning is best done in late winter to early spring for most shrubs. With spring blooming shrubs, prune after the blooms are spent. Remove up to 1/3rd of the overall shrub, keeping older branches to build up a sturdy, permanent and picturesque framework. Keep in mind that these shrubs bloom directly on older wood or on shoots that come off old wood. Monitor for pests, diseases, or other ailments on a regular basis.

Plant Attributes:

Mature Size: 4-5' tall x 3-4' wide
Utah Native: Yes
Plant Select: Yes
Pollinator Friendly: Yes
Localscapes: Foundation Plant
Foliage Interest: No
Foliage Colors: Green
Bloom Colors: Pink, Red, Yellow
Bloom Seasons: Late Spring
Bloom Period: May - Jun

Growing Conditions:

Hardiness Zone: 4 to 7
Light Requirement: Full Sun (6+ hrs sun)
Irrigation Requirement:     Very Low (Water to Establish)
Salt Tolerant: Unknown
Deer Resistant: Yes

Garden Location:

  • Commercial Concepts
    • JVWCD Building
  • Design Path
    • Scene or Unseen
  • Spring
  • Summer
  • Fall
  • Winter