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| Cercocarpus betuloides |
| Family: Rosaceae (Rose) |
| Flowers — color: white, size: 1/16", type: 5 petals |
Mountain Mahogany has clusters of tiny white flowers. Each flower has prominent stamens and they grow at the leaf nodeat the leaf node. The genus name, Cercocarpus, translates as 'fruit with a tail'. Catkins may help transport the seeds.
Habit:
Mountain Mahogany is an evergreen large shrub or small tree, 5–12 feet. Generally columnar, gardeners have pruned it for shape. May live 100 years.
The leaves have half-smooth, half toothed edges. They are said to resemble birch leaves, the meaning of the species name betuloides. Also compare to California Rose. In full sun the leaves may orient vertically to reduce heating and actually follow the Sun's motion across the sky.
Not related to tropical Mahogany, it was named for the hardness and reddish color of its wood. Native Californians used it for arrowheads and digging. Part shade or open sun.