Little Leaves, Little Work

Think of all the broadleaf shrubs that perform well in western landscapes. When you have that list at hand, subtract those that can be grown without supplemental water, organic amendments or mulches. If you are like most, you have none left on your list.

Now, start a new list. Place on that list Littleleaf Mountain Mahogany (Cercocarpus intricatus) with its small, thick and dark evergreen leathery leaves. Native to the Great Basin, this shrub forms a dense round mound varying in height and width from 3 to 5 feet. Like conifers, this member of the rose family compensates for its diminutive leaf size with volume. Planted in full sun in the hottest, driest spot of the landscape and watered sparingly, if at all after establishment, expect its foliage to completely cover its intricately packed, silvery branches. Growth is slow but steady without irrigation resulting in a thick, compact green mass of tens of thousands of tiny evergreen leaves. With irrigation the shrub grows taller faster but with a more open habit.

With all these benefits, don’t expect much in the way of blossoms. Its flowers are best described as inconspicuous, though the shrub will take on a slightly yellowish cast when in full bloom. In full fruit, expect to see numerous long, curly-tailed, feathery seeds that radiate with a million points of light when back lighted by sunlight.

Gardeners looking for a hearty, solid block of green with practically zero needs, including pruning, must consider Littleleaf Mountain Mahogany. Start your no-water garden with this plant and add to it other no-water Plant Select^® plants such as Apache plume (Fallugia paradoxa) and Fernbush (Chamaebatiaria millefolium).

(Submitted by Jim Borland)