Hackberry, Common hackberry

Celtis occidentalis

Physical Characteristics

Celtis occidentalis is a deciduous Tree growing to 20 m (65ft) by 20 m (65ft) at a fast rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 2. It is in flower in May, 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. The plant can tolerates strong winds but not maritime exposure.

Distribution

Eastern N. America - Quebec to Manitoba, North Carolina, Missouri and Oklahoma.

Habitats

Woodland Garden Canopy;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Fruit Seed Edible Uses: Fruit - raw[2, 3, 55, 149]. Very sweet and pleasant tasting, they can be eaten out of hand or can be used for making jellies, preserves etc[183]. The fruit is often produced abundantly in Britain, it is about the size of a blackcurrant, but there is very little flesh surrounding a large seed and it is therefore a very fiddly crop[K]. The fruit is dark orange to purple- or blue-black when fully ripe, usually about 7-11mm in diameter, though occasionally up to 20mm[270]. The flesh is dry and mealy but with a pleasant sweet taste[K]. Seed[57]. No more details. The fruit and seed can be ground up finely together and used as a flavouring[161, 183]. The N. American Indians ate them with parched corn[183].

Medicinal Uses

Miscellany VD An extract obtained from the wood has been used in the treatment of jaundice[226]. A decoction of the bark has been used in the treatment of sore throats[257]. When combined with powdered shells it has been used to treat VD[257].

Known Hazards

None known