Curl Leaf Mountain Mahogany: A Unique Shrub Of Western North America
Curl Leaf Mountain Mahogany (Cercocarpus ledifolius) is a deciduous shrub native to North America, known for its distinctive curled leaf margins. Its scientific classification places it in the family Rosaceae, genus Cercocarpus, and species ledifolius. Common names include antelope bitterbrush, shrubby cercocarpus, and squaw apple. This shrub exhibits a bushy, rounded growth habit, reaching heights of 6-12 ft. Its thin, reddish-brown bark ages to grayish-brown and develops fissures. The flowers are inconspicuous, lack petals, and produce winged achenes. Curl Leaf Mountain Mahogany thrives in well-drained soils and full sun, and is widely distributed across western North America. It is valued for its ornamental qualities, wildlife food source, and medicinal properties.