How much water does birchleaf mountain mahogany need?

Once established, this shrub needs very little water. It is adapted to dry, rocky slopes and typically only needs occasional deep watering during extended dry periods.

What light conditions does birchleaf mountain mahogany prefer?

It grows best in full sun but can also handle the dappled or partial sun found along chaparral edges and open woodland understories.

When does birchleaf mountain mahogany bloom?

It flowers from April through June, producing small, pale greenish blooms that are not showy but attract insect visitors.

What pollinators visit birchleaf mountain mahogany?

Bees and beetles are the main visitors, foraging on the small clustered flowers during the spring bloom season.

Is Birchleaf Mountain Mahogany HOA-friendly?

Birchleaf Mountain Mahogany is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with low maintenance.

Birchleaf Mountain Mahogany

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Cercocarpus betuloides

Last reviewed: September 2026

Birchleaf mountain mahogany is a drought tolerant evergreen shrub of dry slopes, chaparral, and foothill woodlands in California, Arizona, and Oregon, blooming from April through June with small greenish flowers visited by bees and beetles.

Birchleaf Mountain Mahogany (Cercocarpus betuloides) is not on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center toxic plant list for dogs or cats (aspca.org (opens in new tab), last reviewed 2026-05-21). If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.

Light

full sun

Water

low

Size

36"–180" H × 36"–120" W

Bloom

Apr, May, Jun

Native to

AZ, CA, OR

Pollinators

bees, beetles

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Browse plants for this ecoregion

Coast Range Northwestern Forested Mountains Sierra Nevada Central California Foothills and Coastal Mountains Central California Valley Southern California Mountains Mojave Basin and Range Arizona/New Mexico Mountains Chihuahuan Deserts Madrean Archipelago Sonoran Basin and Range Southern California/Northern Baja Coast

Mountain mahogany is a drought-tolerant evergreen shrub with small, distinctive leaves that have serrated edges. It grows relatively slowly into a dense, upright form that can reach 15 feet tall in optimal conditions. The plant produces unusual feathery seed plumes that add visual interest in summer.

Growing Birchleaf Mountain Mahogany

Grow Birchleaf Mountain Mahogany in full sun and low water. Mature plants reach 36 to 180 inches tall and spread 36 to 120 inches wide. Expect low maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.

In an HOA neighborhood

Birchleaf Mountain Mahogany is an HOA-friendly choice. Maintenance level: low. Tidiness: 3 out of 5.

Works well in: mid zone, street edge.

Can appear somewhat woody/leggy if not occasionally pruned
Feathery seed plumes may be considered messy by some HOAs

Wildlife value

Supports various bee species and beetles during its spring bloom period. The dense growth habit provides good shelter for birds and small wildlife.

Common questions

How much water does birchleaf mountain mahogany need?: Once established, this shrub needs very little water. It is adapted to dry, rocky slopes and typically only needs occasional deep watering during extended dry periods.
What light conditions does birchleaf mountain mahogany prefer?: It grows best in full sun but can also handle the dappled or partial sun found along chaparral edges and open woodland understories.
When does birchleaf mountain mahogany bloom?: It flowers from April through June, producing small, pale greenish blooms that are not showy but attract insect visitors.
What pollinators visit birchleaf mountain mahogany?: Bees and beetles are the main visitors, foraging on the small clustered flowers during the spring bloom season.
Is Birchleaf Mountain Mahogany toxic to dogs?: Birchleaf Mountain Mahogany is not on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center toxic plant list for dogs (aspca.org).
Is Birchleaf Mountain Mahogany toxic to cats?: Birchleaf Mountain Mahogany is not on the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center toxic plant list for cats (aspca.org).
Is Birchleaf Mountain Mahogany HOA-friendly?: Birchleaf Mountain Mahogany is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with low maintenance.

These answers were drafted with an AI model from this plant's data. Verify care details with a local expert.

Native range data from vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

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Common plant problems, and what to check first

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