Cercocarpus montanus is a North American species of shrub or small tree in the family Rosaceae native to northern Mexico and the western United States.

[2] Cercocarpus montanus is common in chaparral scrub, on mesas, the lower foothills of the Rocky Mountains, and the Great Plains in the United States.

[2][7][8] Cercocarpus montanus often remains under 1 metre (3.3 ft) in height because of browsing by elk and deer, but can reach 20 feet (6.1 m).

[10] Alder-leaf mountain-mahogany is sometimes grown as a drought tolerant garden plant, particularly in its native range.

The wildflower writer Claude A. Barr said that the shiny hairs on the curled plumbs attached to the [clarification needed] are particularly attractive in the sun.