Photo of Cercocarpus intricatus form by Stan Shebs

Photo by Stan Shebs

Used with permission, all rights reserved

Show all photos

Cercocarpus intricatus

Also Known As

  • Cercocarpus ledifolius var. intricatus
  • Little Leaf Mountain Mahogany
  • Little-leaf Mountain Mahogany

Plant type

shrub, perennial

size

  • H: 1'-5'
  • W: 2'-3'

planting zones

  • 4a-9b

More Options

Cercocarpus intricatus plant details

Cercocarpus intricatus is a broadleaf evergreen perennial shrub with green foliage. In spring cream and yellow flowers emerge. Grows well with sun - mostly shade and regular - low water. Drought tolerant once established. Prefers to be dry in summer. Does well in average, clay, gritty, rocky and well-drained soil.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Cercocarpus intricatus

Plant type: perennial shrub
Plant family: rosaceae
Foliage: evergreen green
Mature size: 2 FT - 3 FT - wide, 1 FT - 5 FT - tall
Flowers: cream and yellow blooms in spring
Uses: basket weaving, bonsai, hedge, rock garden, winter interest, xeric

GROWING CONDITIONS for Cercocarpus intricatus

USDA Zones: 4a - 9b
Sun exposure: sun - mostly shade
Watering frequency: regular - low
Resistant to: deer
Soil needs: average, clay, gritty, rocky and well-drained

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

Cercocarpus intricatus desert mahogany Dense form of the desert mahogany from the mountains of the southwest -- northwest Mexico into the Great Basin. Dense shrubs, eventually to 10 ft or so of tufted, deep-green, rice-grain sized leaves angled to show the pale undersides. Small spring flowers give way to clematis-like seed heads. Most attractive when backlit. Sun and well-drained soil. Good drought tolerance. USDA zone 5. Can be pruned into the most delicate, small evergreen tree for desert climates.
Perfect for bonsai, with smaller leaves and dwarfer habit Bon* than the species. S/D
This dense, twiggy evergreen shrub is from the Southwestern desert areas. A fine, small-scale hedge plant for a sunny, dry spot or as a specimen in the Xeriscape. Small flowers transform into attractive, feathery seedpods. Responds to light pruning. Small to medium-sized shrub. Clay, sandy soil or loam. USDA zones 3-9 (up to 8,000').

Gardening facts about Cercocarpus intricatus plant

How to Grow Cercocarpus intricatus

  • Sun Exposure

    • sun - mostly shade
  • Water Needs

    • regular - drought tolerant
  • Water Needs

    • dry in summer
  • Soil Needs

    • clay
    • average
    • well-drained
    • rocky
    • gritty

Features

  • Foliage Color

    • green
  • Flower Color

    • cream
    • yellow
  • Wildlife

    • deer resistant
  • Flower Season

    • spring
  • Foliage Season

    • evergreen

See other plant types of Cercocarpus for your garden

aka Curl-leaf Mountain Mahogany, Desert Mountain Mahogany, Mountain Mahogany

Plant Type

Tree, Shrub

Zones

4b-10b

Size

Height: 15'-35'

Width: 20'

  • sun - mostly shade
  • drought tolerant
  • dry in summer
Photo of Cercocarpus ledifolius foliage by Danger Garden
View Plant

aka Alderleaf Mountain Mahogany

Plant Type

Shrub

Zones

6a-9b

Size

Height: 6'-20'

Width: 10'-12'

  • sun
  • low
  • dry in summer
Photo of Cercocarpus montanus foliage by Forestfarm
View Plant

aka California Mountain Mahogany, Mountain Mahogany

Plant Type

Shrub

Zones

8a-10b

Size

Height: 10'-20'

Width: 8'-15'

  • sun - mostly sun
  • regular - drought tolerant
  • dry in summer
Photo of Cercocarpus betuloides form by The Watershed Nursery
View Plant

More Options

+1 more Cercocarpus
Mailing List
Sign Up for updates on new plant arrivals and deals

© 2010—2026 Plant Lust, LLC All Rights Reserved