Curl-leaf mountain mahogany facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Curl-leaf mountain mahogany |
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| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Cercocarpus
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| Species: |
ledifolius
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| Natural range of Cercocarpus ledifolius | |
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The curl-leaf mountain mahogany (scientific name: Cercocarpus ledifolius) is a special plant found in North America. It's a type of mountain mahogany tree or shrub. You can find it all over the Western United States and even in Baja California, Mexico.
This plant grows in dry places, usually on low mountains and slopes. It likes sandy or grainy soil that drains water well. It often grows alongside other plants that don't need much water, like Pinyon Pines, Junipers, and Sagebrush. It can grow at different heights, from about 600 to 3,000 meters (2,000 to 9,800 feet) above sea level.
What Does It Look Like?
The curl-leaf mountain mahogany is a large plant with many branches. It can grow as tall as 11 meters (35 feet), which is like a small tree. But sometimes, you might see it as a shorter bush, only about 1 meter (3 feet) tall.
Its leaves are dark green and feel a bit like leather. They are about 4 centimeters (1.6 inches) long and shaped like a spear. The edges of the leaves often curl under, which is how it got its name!
The flowers are small and tan. They have a long, feathery part called a style that sticks out. This style is covered in soft, tan hairs. These flowers usually grow in small groups of up to three. After the flowers, the plant makes a small, hairy fruit called an achene. It's about half a centimeter long.
How Old Can It Get?
The curl-leaf mountain mahogany grows very slowly. It can take a hundred years to reach its full size! Some of these plants are thought to be incredibly old. Scientists believe the oldest ones might be around 1,350 years old. This makes it one of the longest-living flowering plants we know about.
Animals and People Use It
This plant is important for wildlife. Deer love to eat its leaves all year long.
Native American groups have also used the curl-leaf mountain mahogany for a long time. The Gosiute people used its strong wood to make their bows for hunting. Other groups, like the Paiute and Shoshone, used different parts of the plant for traditional medicine.
