Genus & Species Common Name Family Family Common Name
Cercocarpus ledifolius Nutt. Mountain Mahogany Rosaceae Rose Family
CHARACTERISTICS
Small tree or large shrub up to 25 feet tall and up to 20 inches in
diameter with a rough barked, crooked stem; sometimes forms almost
monoculture stands or mixed with conifers and junipers.
Scraggly, stout, 3-6 m tall;
The wood of Mountain Mahogany can be so dense that it is said to sink
if freshly cut. Because of its density and strength is was used for
mining timbers, and to make novelties and flutes. It makes excellent
charcoal for cooking and smoking meat. It burns with little smoke and
is said to have been used by crooks for fires that could not easily be
detected because of lack of smoke.
The leaves and twigs are browsed by many animals, especially in winter
when it is still green and other plants have turned brown.