Celtis
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At-A-Glance Information
Commonly referred to as Hackberry or Nettle Tree, this genus of deciduous trees requires full sun to partial shade and moderate water. The fruits produced by these shade trees will attract birds to your garden. Mature trees have cork-like bark and deep roots, and foliage turns yellow in cooler fall temperatures. These trees can tolerate strong winds and being planted near roads and walkways (where they don't cause damage to hardscaped areas). Hackberry can also tolerate desert heat, alkaline soils, and drought and do not need much pruning to take on a handsome shape. Use these trees as street or shade trees or as specimens in the landscape.
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celtis Species and Varietals
The genus Celtis is a member of the plant family Cannabaceae and includes between 60 and 70 species. Hackberry growing zones vary depending on the species; for more information consult the descriptions below. To find your zone, click here: Zone Map.
Celtis australis (European Nettle Tree, Mediterranean Hackberry, Lote Tree, Honeyberry) This species is native to southern Europe, Asia Minor, and north Africa and reaches between 33 and 82 feet tall when mature. Foliage is green, flowers are white to cream-colored, and fruits are green and mature to black. |
Celtis laevigata (Sugarberry, Sugar Hackberry, Southern Hackberry) These trees are native to the eastern United States over through Texas and northeastern Mexico, where it primarily grows along streambeds and in moist areas. These are attractive landscaping trees that serve as fantastic shade trees and produce sweet berries. |
Celtis occidentalis (Common Hackberry, Sugarberry, Beaverwood, Northern Hackberry, American Hackberry) This species is best in zones 1-24 and is native to eastern North America. These trees reach 50 feet or taller and have bright green leaves. Common Hackberry has a rounded, somewhat pendulous habit, and does not leaf out until the middle of springtime. This species is resistant to Oak Root Fungus. Variety 'Magnifica' (actually a hybrid between C. laevigata and C. occidentalis) is a great garden variety with dark green leaves and insect pest resistance. |
Celtis pallida (Celtis ehrenbergiana) (Desert Hackberry, Granjeno, Spiny Hackberry) Best in zones 10-13, this species is native to the southwestern United States and northern Mexico. It forms a small shrub or tree with dense foliage and spiny growth, reaching 18 feet tall. Berries are orange and small. Useful desert planting for encouraging biodiversity, as a screen or barrier, and for erosion control. |
Celtis paniculata (Tripewood, Silky Keltis, Silky Celtis, Native Hackberry, Native Celtis, Investigator Tree, Whitewood) This rainforest-dwelling species is native to Malesia, Melanesia, and Australia. Trees can reach 130 feet tall when mature, and have greyish-brown thin bark. Flowers are green, blooming in December and January, and fruits ripen the following July through March in the tree's native range. |
Celtis reticulata (Celtis douglasii) (Western Hackberry, Netleaf Hackberry, Acibuche, Palo Blanco, Douglas Hackberry, Netleaf Sugar Hackberry) This species grows well in zones 2-24 and is native to Idaho, eastern Washington, northern Oregon through Utah, and mountainous areas from Arizona through Southern California. These trees reach 25-30 feet tall and wide, and have pendulous branches and toothed leaves that are whitish underneath. |
Celtis sinensis (Chinese Hackberry, Yunnan Hackberry, Japanese Hackberry) This species is native to East Asia and does best in zones 8-16 and 18-20. It is similar to Celtis occidentalis, but only reaches 40-60 feet tall and about as wide. Leaves are smooth and glossy, and have scalloped edges. These trees are commonly used in traditional eastern Asian landscapes as ornamental shade trees. |
Celtis tenuifolia (Dwarf Hackberry, Georgia Hackberry) These trees are native to eastern areas of North America, and are considered threatened with extinction in Canada. These trees are tolerant of drought but not shade, and grow in many different habitats. These trees are great for increasing biodiversity in the landscape, as their berries are bird favorites. |
Caring for and pruning celtis Trees
Harvesting Hackberries
All species of Hackberry produce edible berries, though some species do produce fruits that tend to be a little sweeter than others. Species that are commonly cultivated for fruit harvesting include Celtis occidentalis, Celtis laevigata,
Propagation
Problems and Pests
Asian woolly hackberry aphids
Gallery
Videos
A video all about growing camellias successfully
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Propagating camellias
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Resources
The New Sunset Western Garden Book: The Ultimate Gardening Guide (2012) - Page 230, Celtis
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