Collection: Oregon Ironwood

Oregon Ironwood, Cercocarpus ledifolius, is also called Mountain Mahogany, although it is not a true mahogany. The tree is small and bushy with between one to four main trunks. It is usually trimmed up from the base by foraging deer and elk, exposing bare trunks beneath. The trees dot the arid, open landscape in a way that resembles a miniature African savanna. Its seeds appear to be curled which aids in dispersal in the wind. Oregon Ironwood is dense and sinks in water. In fact, it is the densest native tree in Oregon. Generally, it is not used commercially. It has been used by Native Americans for bows, arrows, and digging tools and is ideal for modern knives and turned articles. Chips and chunks are commonly used for BBQ cooking in the West.