Upland Hackberry Celtis tenuifolia

Other Common Name(s):

Description

The Celtis tenuifolia is a small native deciduous tree or large shrub in the Cannabaceae family. Its bark is gray and smooth with small warts.

Regions: Piedmont

Seasons of Interest:

Bloom: Spring, April-May Nut/Fruit/Seed: Fall

Wildlife Value: This plant is moderately resistant to damage from deer. Host plant for the American Snout, Mourning Cloak, Question Mark, Hackberry Emperer and Tawny Emperer. Three species of butterflies feed on the leaves as larvae: Hackberry Emperor, Tawny Emperor, and American Snout. Many birds and small mammals eat the fruits.

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems: This plant will not tolerate full shade.

You may also be intrested in: Celtis laevigata, Celtis occidentalis

Cultivars:

Tags:

#deciduous #small tree #drought tolerant #wildlife plant #host plant #sweet fruit #low flammability #fire resistant

Celtis tenuifolia — Form Maryann Debski, J.C. Raulston Arboretum

Cultivars:

Tags:

#deciduous #small tree #drought tolerant #wildlife plant #host plant #sweet fruit #low flammability #fire resistant

Attributes:
Genus:

Celtis

Species:

tenuifolia

Fire Risk Rating:

low flammability

Particularly Resistant To (Insects/Diseases/Other Problems):

fire in the landscape.

Whole Plant Traits:
Plant Type:

Native Plant

Shrub

Tree

Leaf Characteristics:

Deciduous

Growth Rate:

Slow

Texture:

Coarse

Cultural Conditions:
Light:

Full sun (6 or more hours of direct sunlight a day)

Soil Texture:

Sand

Fruit:
Fruit Color:

Brown/Copper

Orange

Red/Burgundy

Display/Harvest Time:

Fall

Fruit Description:

Many birds and small mammals eat the fruits. Drupes, red, orange brown

Flowers:
Flower Color:

Green

Orange

Red/Burgundy

White

Flower Bloom Time:

Spring

Flower Size:

< 1 inch

Flower Description:

The flowers of the Dwarf Hackberry are insignificant, monecious, occurring either singularly or in small clusters. This species is wind-pollinated and appears to be self-compatible. The fruit is a berry-like drupe, 5 to 8 millimeters in diameter, consisting of a single stone encased within a thin, sweet mesocarp. From green, it becomes a light orange, then a dark red, then purplish-brown. This edible drupe with smooth outer skin and a pulpy yellow inside is relished by small mammals and birds.

Leaves:
Leaf Characteristics:

Deciduous

Leaf Color:

Brown/Copper

Green

Leaf Feel:

Smooth

Leaf Type:

Simple

Leaf Shape:

Cordate

Elliptical

Ovate

Hairs Present:

Yes

Leaf Length:

< 1 inch

Leaf Description:

The leaves of the Dwarf Hackberry are alternate, simple, elliptical, and ovate. They have broad, heavily toothed to smooth margins, and sand papery. They are similar to common hackberry (C. occidentalis) but has slightly narrower leaves that are more regularly toothed at the base. Dwarf Hackberry are cordate (heart-shaped) at the base, while common hackberry usually are not. The winter buds are brown and hairy, similar to those of other hackberries, but smaller, only 1 to 2 centimeters long. Terminal buds absent.