How much sun does Curl-leaf mountain mahogany need?

Curl-leaf mountain mahogany grows best in full sun conditions.

When does Curl-leaf mountain mahogany bloom?

Curl-leaf mountain mahogany blooms in May and June.

Where is Curl-leaf mountain mahogany native?

Curl-leaf mountain mahogany (Cercocarpus ledifolius) is native to AZ, CA, CO, ID and 6 more states, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.

What pollinators does Curl-leaf mountain mahogany attract?

Curl-leaf mountain mahogany draws wind pollinated.

Curl-leaf mountain mahogany

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Cercocarpus ledifolius

Last reviewed: October 2026

Curl-leaf mountain mahogany (Cercocarpus ledifolius) is a perennial tree native to AZ, CA, CO, ID and 6 more states. It blooms in May and June. The flowers draw wind pollinated.

Toxicity unknown

Curl-leaf mountain mahogany (Cercocarpus ledifolius) is not listed by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) or the other sources we check, so we have no verdict for it either way. Absence from those lists is not a clearance. If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.

Light

full sun

Water

low

Size

120"–300" H × 96"–240" W

Bloom

May, Jun

Native to

AZ, CA, CO, ID and 6 more states

Pollinators

wind pollinated

Before you buy

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Cities and water utilities offer rebates for replacing lawn with native and water-wise plants. We track 460 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.

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Browse plants for this ecoregion

Northwestern Forested Mountains Sierra Nevada Southern California Mountains North American Deserts Central Basin and Range Mojave Basin and Range Arizona/New Mexico Mountains High Plains Northwestern Great Plains

A slow-growing evergreen small tree or large shrub with small leathery leaves and inconspicuous flowers followed by distinctive twisted, feathery-tailed seeds. Develops a gnarled, sculptural form on dry rocky slopes and ridgelines.

Growing Curl-leaf mountain mahogany

Grow Curl-leaf mountain mahogany in full sun and low water. Mature plants reach 120 to 300 inches tall and spread 96 to 240 inches wide.

Wildlife value

Browse for mule deer and bighorn sheep, and the dense evergreen canopy offers year-round cover for birds.

Common questions

How much sun does Curl-leaf mountain mahogany need?: Curl-leaf mountain mahogany grows best in full sun conditions.
When does Curl-leaf mountain mahogany bloom?: Curl-leaf mountain mahogany blooms in May and June.
Where is Curl-leaf mountain mahogany native?: Curl-leaf mountain mahogany (Cercocarpus ledifolius) is native to AZ, CA, CO, ID and 6 more states, per vouchered herbarium specimen records and regional native plant society lists.
What pollinators does Curl-leaf mountain mahogany attract?: Curl-leaf mountain mahogany draws wind pollinated.

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.

If something looks wrong

Common plant problems, and what to check first

These come up on almost any plant. Each guide lists the likely causes in the order they are worth ruling out, with one thing to check before you act on any of them, and links to the source it came from.

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