Not Every Evergreen has needles!

Have you noticed that some of the broad-leafed trees have not lost their leaves for winter? The open spaces in and around Alpine not only have junipers and firs, but also a number of curl-leaf mountain mahogany trees  (Cercocarpus ledifolius). These trees are highly drought tolerant and grow in harsh, rocky, dry soils. They are very slow-growing, but can be as old as 1,350 years. The wood is so dense that it requires a microscope to count the rings in the trunk. The wood is not suitable for lumber, but burns for a very long time because of the density.

Native Americans used the crushed up dried or slightly burned bark as a dressing for burns. In addition, a mixture from the bark or wood was used to treat coughs, colds, cuts, wounds, stomach aches, diarrhea, tuberculosis and even syphillis!

The curl-leaf mountain mahogany is often compared with the olive tree in rugged appearance and longevity, giving the landscape a distinct Mediterranean appearance. One outstanding feature of the curl-leaf mountain mahogany is the feathery white plumes that attach to the seeds. They separate from the tree and are carried by the wind at great distances to help the trees disperse. Look for these fanciful 'styles' around mid-summer.

The tree in the banner at the top is found at the intersection of Corkscrew and Black Dog trails, just above the water tower. Let us know where you find other beautiful examples of this great tree!