Littleleaf Mountain Mahogany

Common Name(s):
Littleleaf Mountain Mahogany
Scientific Name:
Cercocarpus intricatus S. Wats.
Scientific Name Synonyms:
None known
Symbol:
CEIN7
Description:
Life Span: Perennial
Origin: Native
Season: Evergreen
Growth Characteristics: A shrubby, intricately-branching species, reaching heights of up to 7 feet tall.
Flowers/Inflorescence: Flowers are either solitary or in clusters of 2 to 3 flowers on short spur branchlets. They are tube-shaped, greenish-yellow in color, and lack petals.
Fruits/Seeds: Fruit is a plumed, spiral achene.
Leaves: Leaves are rolled under (revolute) like curlleaf mountain mahogany, also long, narrow, and almost needle-like.
Stems: Much branched.
Ecological Adaptions:
Littleleaf mountain mahogany is found in the dry regions of the state, at elevations between 4,000 and 8,500 feet. It is especially prevalent in southern Utah.
Soils: Most abundant on well-drained soils. Often found on rocky soils and slickrock.
Associated Species: Utah serviceberry, singleleaf ash, bigelow sagebrush.
Uses and Management:
Littleleaf mountain mahogany is valuable browse for wildlife and domestic livestock.