Cercocarpus Macrophyllus

Description

Cercocarpus Macrophyllus, commonly known as big-leaf mountain mahogany, is a plant species that belongs to the Rosaceae family. It is native to the western regions of North America, including California, Nevada, Arizona, and New Mexico. This plant species is a small tree or shrub that can grow up to 30 feet tall and 20 feet wide. It has a dense, rounded canopy and a rough, gray-brown bark. The leaves are large, up to 4 inches long and 2 inches wide, and have a dark green color. The flowers are small, yellow-white, and appear in clusters in the spring.

Taxonomic Information

Appearance

The big-leaf mountain mahogany has a unique appearance. It has large, dark green leaves that are leathery and shiny. The leaves are oblong in shape and have toothed margins. The flowers are small and yellow-white, and appear in clusters in the spring. The fruit is a long, narrow, woody achene that is covered in fine hairs. The bark is rough, gray-brown, and has a scaly texture. The plant has a dense, rounded canopy that provides good shade.

Care Guide

The big-leaf mountain mahogany is a low-maintenance plant that requires little care. Here are some tips to help you care for your plant:

• Water: The plant requires moderate watering. Water the plant deeply once a week during the growing season and reduce watering during the winter.
• Fertilization: Fertilize the plant once a year in the spring with a slow-release fertilizer.
• Soil: The plant prefers well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. Use a soil mix that contains compost or peat moss.
• Sunlight: The plant prefers full sun but can tolerate partial shade.
• Hardiness Zones: The plant is hardy in USDA zones 7 to 10.

Common Pests & Diseases

The big-leaf mountain mahogany is generally pest and disease resistant. However, it may be susceptible to some common pests and diseases:

• Aphids: These small insects can cause leaf curling and distortion. Use insecticidal soap to control infestations.
• Canker: This fungal disease can cause branch dieback and cankers on the trunk. Prune infected branches and apply a fungicide.
• Leaf spot: This fungal disease can cause brown spots on the leaves. Remove infected leaves and apply a fungicide.
• Rust: This fungal disease can cause yellow-orange spots on the leaves. Remove infected leaves and apply a fungicide.

Habitat

The big-leaf mountain mahogany is native to the western regions of North America and can be found in a variety of habitats, including rocky slopes, canyons, and desert foothills. It prefers well-drained soil and full sun but can tolerate some shade. The plant is drought-tolerant and can survive in areas with low water availability.

Question and Answer

• Q: Is the big-leaf mountain mahogany a good shade tree?
• A: Yes, the big-leaf mountain mahogany has a dense, rounded canopy that provides good shade.
• Q: Can the big-leaf mountain mahogany tolerate drought?
• A: Yes, the plant is drought-tolerant and can survive in areas with low water availability.
• Q: What is the hardiness zone for the big-leaf mountain mahogany?
• A: The plant is hardy in USDA zones 7 to 10.
• Q: Does the big-leaf mountain mahogany require fertilization?
• A: Yes, fertilize the plant once a year in the spring with a slow-release fertilizer.

Related Plants

• Cercocarpus betuloides
• Cercocarpus intricatus
• Cercocarpus ledifolius
• Cercocarpus montanus

References

• “Cercocarpus Macrophyllus.” Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center. Accessed 15 Aug. 2021. <https://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=CEMA3>.
• “Cercocarpus Macrophyllus.” Arizona State University. Accessed 15 Aug. 2021. <https://cals.arizona.edu/yavapaiplants/SpeciesDetailForb.php?genus=Cercocarpus&species=macrophyllus>.
• “Cercocarpus Macrophyllus.” California Native Plant Society. Accessed 15 Aug. 2021. <https://www.cnps.org/gardening/plants/cercocarpus-macrophyllus>.