It is known from just a single population,[4] found in Wild Boar Gully, an arroyo covered in coastal sage scrub on Catalina Island.

"[5] Cercocarpus traskiae is a large shrub or tree that grows up to 8 metres (26 ft) in height.

[5] The Catalina Island mountain mahogany is threatened by ungulates such as deer, and feral goats and pigs.

Introduced mule deer remain on Catalina Island and may threaten the survival of the species.

[5] The population of pure Cercocarpus traskiae is not increasing and the species is entirely dependent on human intervention today.