Cercocarpus betuloides Nutt.
Common name: Mountain mahogany.
Family: Rosaceae.
Flowering time: Spring to early summer.
Fruiting time: Late summer to fall.
Habitat: Grows in chaparral, dry forest and woodlands in the foothills of most California mountain ranges.
Range: Found in Oregon, California and east to the Rocky Mountains.
Ecology: This shrub tolerates full sun and is very drought tolerant. It is a nitrogen fixer and therefore makes great forage for wildlife.
Ethnobotanical information: Very hard and sturdy wood was used to make arrows, spears and digging tools.