Nettle Tree, European hackberry

Celtis australis

Physical Characteristics

Celtis australis is a deciduous Tree growing to 20 m (65ft) by 10 m (32ft) at a medium rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 6. It is in flower in April, and the seeds ripen in October. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Bees. Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils, prefers well-drained soil and can grow in nutritionally poor soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers dry or moist soil and can tolerate drought.

Distribution

S. Europe.

Habitats

Woodland Garden Canopy;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Fruit Oil Oil Seed Edible Uses: Oil Oil Fruit - raw[3, 7, 100]. A mealy pleasant taste[74]. Small and insipidly sweet[2, 183]. Of little value[177]. The fruit is about 10mm in diameter[200] with a single large seed[K]. Seed - raw or cooked[7, 46, 61, 105]. An oil is obtained from the seed[7, 105].

Medicinal Uses

Astringent Dysentery Lenitive Stomachic The leaves and fruit are astringent, lenitive and stomachic[7, 254]. The leaves are gathered in early summer and dried for later use[7]. The fruit, particularly before it is fully ripe, is considered to be more effective medicinally[254]. A decoction of both leaves and fruit is used in the treatment of amenorrhoea, heavy menstrual and intermenstrual bleeding and colic[218, 240]. The decoction can also be used to astringe the mucous membranes in the treatment of diarrhoea, dysentery and peptic ulcers[254].

Known Hazards

None known