In all things of nature,
 there is something marvelous.
~ Aristotle

The Mountain Mahogany (Cercocarpus ledifolius) is not the tall tree in front of me.  Instead, it is the small, twisted tree to my right.  The one  with the small, leathery oval leaves and silver-grey tough bark.

It is an ever green, as it was February and as green as can be.  

Its curled seeds are feathery and shaped like corkscrews.  Indeed, that is how they propagate.  They literally corkscrew themselves into the ground.

The wood is hard and is called "Ironwood" by locals.  It is notorious for dulling chainsaws.  So close-grained and dense, it sinks in water. It is considered useless for lumber, but great for firewood.  

>> Western Juniper and Mountain Mahogany Woodlands

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I  Big Bear Lake