Mountain Mahogany (Cercocarpus ledifolius)

Family: Rosaceae | Edibility: Edible (1/5)

Cercocarpus ledifolius is an evergreen Tree growing to 8 m (26ft 3in) at a slow rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 6. It is in leaf all year. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. It can fix Nitrogen. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Leaves

Harvest Seasons: Fall, Spring, Winter

Flavor & Culinary Uses

flavourful addition to a brew of Mormon tea (Ephedra spp. — The scraped bark makes a flavourful addition to a brew of Mormon tea (Ephedra spp.).

Habitat & North American Range

Dry gravelly arid slopes in the mountain ranges of the interior regions, 1500 - 2700 metres. (Zone 4, Zone 5, Zone 6, Zone 7, Zone 8)