Cercocarpus ledifolius is a North American species of mountain mahogany known by the common name curl-leaf mountain mahogany.
Cercocarpus ledifolius is a large, densely branching tree which can reach heights of 11m (36feet), although it is not uncommon to find the adult plant as a shrub as short as 1abbr=onNaNabbr=on. Its leathery, sticky, dark green leaves are up to 4cm (02inches) long and lance-shaped, and the edges may curl under. The flower consists of a small tan tube from which protrudes a long, plumelike style covered in luxuriant tan hairs. The flowers are arranged in inflorescences of up to 3. The fruit is a hairy achene .5–1 cm long.
Cercocarpus ledifolius is slow-growing, sometimes taking up to a century to reach full height. The oldest specimens are thought to be around 1,350 years old, although the primary specimen that yielded this estimate was cut down.[1] This makes it one of the longest-lived known flowering plants.
The species is widespread across much of the Western United States as well as Baja California in Mexico.[2] [3] It can be found at elevations ranging from NaNm (-2,147,483,648feet), with the preferred altitude varying depending on the region. It prefers shallow, well-drained soils with a sandy or grainy consistency, and is generally found in areas which receive only NaNcm (-2,147,483,648inches) annual precipitation.[4] This makes it common on low mountains and slopes,[5] where it grows in scattered groves among other drought-resistant species such as pinyon pines, junipers and sagebrush.
The leaves are eaten by deer year-round.[6]
The Gosiute Native Americans used the wood to make their bows.[6] The species has many medicinal uses for various Native American groups, such as the Paiute and Shoshone.
