Martin Cercocarpus betuloides is a shrub or small tree in the rose family.

[5] The leaves are distinctive in that they have smooth edges from the base to about halfway up, then are wavy or toothed to the rounded tip.

[2] The white flowers are small, clustered, and mildly scented, similar to acacia.

[14] It typically grows in summer dry areas of the foothills and mountains of California, often in chaparral communities.

[15] The reddish[citation needed] wood of the shrub is very hard and was traditionally used by the indigenous peoples of California to make arrow tips, fishing spears, and digging sticks.