Description | Hackberry (Celtis occidentalis) is a large, tough durable tree. Can withstand the dirt and crime of the cities |
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Pronunciation | (SELL-tis)(ok-si-den-TALL-lis) |
Plant Type | Trees Deciduous |
Hardiness Zone | 3-9 |
Sunlight | full |
Moisture | moderately drought tolerant, preferring average moisture |
Soil & Site | tolerant of a wide variety of soils |
Flowers | small greenish, appear in the spring as the leaves emerge |
Fruit | 1/4" pitted drupe, purple, hanging from short stalks that many birds and mammals eat., resemblance to that of a Linden (Tilia) |
Leaves | alternate, simple, double-toothed, unequal leaf bases. , 2-5" long, 1-2” wide, bright green above, paler below with a yellow fall color |
Stems | the bark is grayish with a distinct narrow corky ridge |
Dimensions | 40-60 feet tall with a spread of 25-45 feet. Narrow when young, broadening and arching out when mature. A medium to fast growing tree. |
Propagation | seeds |
Misc Facts | The common name Hackberry is presumed to be a corruption of the Scottish word "Hagberry." Lumber is used for boxes and crates. Native Americans used the fruit to flavor their food in the same manner as pepper. Celtis is Greek, meaning name for another tree, and occidentalis means western. |
Notes & Reference | #01-Manual of Woody Landscape Plants (Michael Dirr), #39-The Natural History of Trees (Donald Cultrose Pattie), #75-Encyclopedia of Nuts, Berries and Seeds (John Heinerman) |