Weeping Japanese Hackberry Celtis sinensis 'Green Cascade'

The 'Green Cascade' cultivar, or Weeping Japanese Hackberry, is a rapidly growing, flowering, deciduous tree in the hemp family and a cultivar of C. sinesis, Chinese Hackberry. At maturity and with the proper support to overcome its propensity to spread along the ground, it can reach 20 feet high and wide.  It can be trained and supported by use of trellises, arbors, pergolas or gates.  Having no tendrils and its inability to twine, support by means of draping or tying must be provided.  If no support is attempted, it will grow along the ground.

These trees thrive in hot summers and sunlight; lack of sun can cause the wood to not fully ripen making them subject to die-back in winter. Under optimum conditions, Japanese Weeping Hackberry are very long-lived. The tree suckers, but it primarily naturalizes by seed dispersal. It can be invasive in some environments and has been declared a noxious weed in parts of South Africa and Australia. It is not considered invasive in the United States.

While it tolerates partial shade and poor soil, it prefers to be grown in full sun in moist, well-drained soil that is high in organic material.  This tough plant tolerates drought, wind, urban conditions, dry, wet, and poor soils. 

'Green Cascade' can be trained to cascade over gates, trellises and other such structures.  Its natural form will grow in a weeping fashion, and if not supported, it will spread to the ground in a mounded form.  Not having tendrils, it must be attached to or draped over its support in order to take advantage of its natural beauty.  

To duplicate its weeping habit, 'Green Cascade' must be asexually propagated.  

Although not considered to be invasive in the United States, in other parts of the world, particularly South Africa and Australia's eastern coast, it is considered a noxious weed.  

Birds are attracted to the fruits and disperse the seeds.

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems:  

Witches broom, Hackberry nipple gall, powdery mildew, leaf spot and root rot are occasional problems.  Lace bugs and scale are also issues for this plant.

More information on Celtis sinensis.