Island Mountain Mahogany  Cercocarpus alnifolius  is an evergreen multitrunk shrub  12' tall  4' wide  with leaves to the base. This variety is uncommon in mainland California  but is native to Catalina Island.  It is rather like C. betuloides  but with larger leaves and it is more garden tolerant.  Because of its narrow habit it is an excellent screen or large border shrub. Mountain Mahogany will thrive in full sun and dry soil. It is frost hardy  may become deciduous but will recover in spring. Inconspicuous tiny flowers in spring attract pollinating insects;attractive silvery seed pods are curly and fuzzy. Once established will only need to be watered once a month if at all.   All the Cercocarpus species are nitrogen fixing and good for revegetation  erosion control and wildlife.