Cercocarpus Montanus 'Coy'

This cultivar is a dwarf plant of the well-known species Cercocarpus montanus (also referred to as alder-leaf or true mountain mahogany). Cercocarpus montanus is native to the western United States from Montana to Texas. Of the ten species of Cercocarpus in the genus, Cercocarpus montanus is the only deciduous species. However, this cultivar of Cercocarpus montanus is an evergreen variety.

Problem

Plants of the Cercocarpus montanus species are usually about two times larger than this cultivar and have bigger leaves. They are also deciduous.

Solution

This cultivar is a dwarf-size plant, growing an average of 1.5 m in 4 years as opposed to growing over 3 m in 4 years. Because of this, it consumes less space in landscapes, making it more desirable for urban landscapes. It has smaller, narrower leaves that have less serrations than is common among this species. It’s an evergreen cultivar – one of the rare broadleaf evergreens in Utah.

Benefits

This cultivar has an extensive root system and adapts well in medium to coarse textured soil. It is an excellent shrub for reclamation. It flowers and fruits and has dark green leaves that are whitish beneath. The leaves have high protein levels and the plant’s growth is stimulated by browsing. This cultivar vigorously sprouts after a fire. It is very resilient. It has a nitrogen-fixing ability and low water demand.

Applications

This cultivar would be potentially sustainable for urban landscapes as the application of nitrogen fertilizer wouldn’t be necessary. It grows well in the wild, as it grows quickly after fires and its growth is stimulated by browsing. Because of where the original plant was found, it is suspected that it would be a good candidate for low-water landscaping in cold regions. Cercocarpus Montanus ‘Coy’™ is part of the Sego Supreme™ plant introduction program at Utah State which develops, evaluates, and promotes new, well-adapted plant cultivars for the growing conditions of the western United States. The plants are selected for their drought tolerance, ornamental attributes, and dependability in professional and home landscapes, with the intent that they can be grown successfully in many climates and conditions. Plants in the Sego Supreme™ program are licensed to nurseries and greenhouses that are also part of this program with revenues supporting ongoing breeding and research efforts at Utah State University's Botanical Center in Kaysville, Utah.

Contact

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Questions about this technology including licensing availability can be directed to:

Christian S. Iverson, MBA
Executive Director, Technology Transfer Services
(435) 797-9620 christian.iverson@usu.edu

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USU ID C20048