Utah State University
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Cercocarpus montanus
Occurs in the intermountain west, north into Oregon and west into Nevada. Naturally growing at elevations from 4,000 to 8,500 feet. Prefers dry slopes. Prefers dry, gravelly slopes. Low water requirement. Zones 3 - 8. Deciduous cousin to the evergreen mountain mahogany, it doesn't have quite the ornamental assets in terms of foliage, although, the leaves do have quite an alder-like appearance, and it is much smaller, but it also quite drought tolerant and would look good in a low water landscape. These seeds have little or no dormancy and will often germinate readily. To germinate seed indoors, soak seed in hydrogen peroxide (from the market) for 24 hours. Rinse seed and cold treat for 30 days. Sow into container and cover to depth. Germination takes from 0 to 20 days. To start outdoors in the desired location, cover seed with ¼" of soil and protect from mice. They love this seed. Sow in the fall or early spring before the snow is gone.
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A thing is right when it tends to preserve the integrity, stability and beauty of the biotic community. It is wrong when it tends otherwise. Aldo Leopold
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Description This plant is most often a shrub but can actually become a small tree with proper cultivation. The plant can reach heights of 1.2-4 meters. The leaves are lobed and creased, giving it an interesting ornamental characteristic, and the whitish bark provides a nice contrast to the bright green leaves.