Small Hackberry, Dwarf hackberry

Celtis tenuifolia

Physical Characteristics

Celtis tenuifolia is a deciduous Tree growing to 4.5 m (14ft 9in). 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

Southeaster N. America.

Habitats

Woodland Garden Sunny Edge;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Fruit Edible Uses: Fruit - raw. Sweet but thin fleshed[227]. The thin flesh has a sweet, mealy pleasant taste[K]. The fruit is small, up to 10mm in diameter, with a single large seed[82, K]. The trees often produce large crops of fruit in Britain, but there is so little that is edible on each fruit that it is scarcely worthwhile[K].

Medicinal Uses

None known

Known Hazards

None known