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Description
Cercocarpus Montanus, commonly known as Mountain Mahogany, is a flowering shrub that belongs to the Rosaceae family. It is native to the southwestern regions of the United States, including Arizona, New Mexico, Colorado, and Utah. The plant typically grows up to 20 feet tall and 15 feet wide. Its leaves are evergreen, narrow, and toothed with a leathery texture. The flowers are small and white, which bloom in early summer. Cercocarpus Montanus produces fruits that are long and narrow, with a feathery tail that allows them to disperse in the wind.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Rosales |
| Family | Rosaceae |
| Genus | Cercocarpus |
Appearance
Cercocarpus Montanus is a beautiful shrub with evergreen foliage that is narrow and toothed. The leaves are about 2 inches long, and they range from light green to a grayish-green color. The flowers are small, white, and they bloom in early summer. The fruits are long and narrow, about 2-3 inches long, and have a feathery tail. The bark of the shrub is brownish-gray and relatively smooth.
Care Guide
Cercocarpus Montanus is a low-maintenance shrub that requires minimal care. It grows best in full sun and well-drained soil. Here are some tips for caring for this plant:- Water: Water the plant regularly during the growing season, especially during hot and dry weather. However, avoid overwatering, as this can lead to root rot.- Fertilization: Fertilize the plant in the spring with a slow-release fertilizer. Avoid using high-nitrogen fertilizers, as this can encourage excessive growth.- Soil: Cercocarpus Montanus prefers well-drained soil that is slightly acidic. If you have heavy clay soil, amend it with organic matter to improve drainage.- Sunlight: This plant grows best in full sun, but it can tolerate partial shade.- Hardiness Zones: Cercocarpus Montanus is hardy in USDA zones 5-9.
Common Pests & Diseases
Cercocarpus Montanus is relatively resistant to pests and diseases. However, here are some issues that you may encounter:- Spider mites: These tiny pests can suck the sap from the leaves, causing them to turn yellow and fall off. Use a miticide to control the infestation.- Powdery mildew: This fungal disease can cause a white powdery coating on the leaves. Remove infected leaves and treat with a fungicide.- Root rot: Overwatering can cause root rot, which can eventually kill the plant. Improve drainage and avoid overwatering to prevent this problem.
Habitat
Cercocarpus Montanus is native to the southwestern regions of the United States, including Arizona, New Mexico, Colorado, and Utah. It grows in rocky, mountainous areas and can be found in elevations ranging from 4,000 to 10,000 feet. The plant is well-adapted to arid and semi-arid environments and can tolerate a wide range of temperatures.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Cercocarpus Montanus a good plant for landscaping?
A: Yes, Cercocarpus Montanus is a beautiful shrub that can add texture and color to your landscape.
Q: Does Cercocarpus Montanus attract wildlife?
A: Yes, the plant’s fruits are a food source for birds and other wildlife.
Q: How fast does Cercocarpus Montanus grow?
A: The plant grows slowly, typically reaching a height of 10-15 feet in 10-15 years.
Q: Can Cercocarpus Montanus be grown in containers?
A: Yes, the plant can be grown in containers, but it may require more frequent watering and fertilization.
Related Plants
Here are some related plants to Cercocarpus Montanus:- Cercocarpus Ledifolius- Cercocarpus Traskiae- Cercocarpus Betuloides- Cercocarpus Obtusifolius
References
– “Cercocarpus montanus.” Missouri Botanical Garden. Accessed 16 September 2021. http://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=287069&isprofile=0&cv=5&mobile=0&adv=0&statefips=0&index=1.- “Cercocarpus montanus.” Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center. Accessed 16 September 2021. https://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=CEMO.- “Cercocarpus montanus.” USDA Plants Database. Accessed 16 September 2021. https://plants.usda.gov/core/profile?symbol=CEMO.
