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Cercocarpus montanus var. glaber (Birch-leaf mountain-mahogany)
Wasowski, Sally and Andy

Cercocarpus montanus var. glaber (S. Wats.) F.L. Martin

Birch-leaf mountain-mahogany, Birchleaf mountain mahogany, Hard tack

Rosaceae (Rose Family)

Synonyms: Cercocarpus betuloides

USDA Symbol: cemog

USDA Native Status: Native to U.S.

Hard tack, a variable, open shrub or small tree, grows from 8-20 ft. tall. Twigs may be stiff and erect or graceful and spreading. Bark is smooth gray. Birch-like, semi-evergreen to evergreen leaves are dark green, and inconspicuous flowers are followed by feathery seedheads that turn the plant silver in fall.

 

From the Image Gallery

Plant Characteristics

Duration: Perennial
Habit: Tree
Flower:
Fruit:
Size Class: 12-36 ft.

Bloom Information

Bloom Color: Yellow
Bloom Time: Apr , May

Distribution

USA: AZ , CA , OR
Native Distribution: S.w. OR to Baja CA
Native Habitat: Dry slopes & washes below 6000 ft.
USDA Native Status: L48(N)

Growing Conditions

Water Use: Low
Light Requirement: Sun
Soil Moisture: Dry
Soil Description: Rocky, clay, or sandy soils.
Conditions Comments: Nitrogen-fixing and good for revegetation and erosion control. Drought-tolerant. Volunteer seedlings can be expected when well-established.

Propagation

Description: Propagation is possible with untreated seed.
Seed Collection: Collect seeds as soon as the fruits are dry. This is usually indicated by a white aspect to the fruiting branches. Avoid exposure of skin to the hairy, white styles.
Commercially Avail: yes

From the National Organizations Directory

According to the species list provided by Affiliate Organizations, this plant is either on display or available from the following:

Santa Barbara Botanic Garden - Santa Barbara, CA

Recommended Species Lists

Find native plant species by state. Each list contains commercially available species suitable for gardens and planned landscapes. Once you have selected a collection, you can browse the collection or search within it using the combination search.

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Additional resources

USDA: Find Cercocarpus montanus var. glaber in USDA Plants
FNA: Find Cercocarpus montanus var. glaber in the Flora of North America (if available)
Google: Search Google for Cercocarpus montanus var. glaber

Metadata

Record Modified: 2007-12-23
Research By: TWC Staff

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