Celtis Occidentalis, commonly known as the Hackberry tree, is a deciduous tree belonging to the Cannabaceae family. It is native to North America and is found in different regions of the United States and Canada. The tree is known for its hardiness and can grow up to 80 feet tall. It is often used as a shade tree and is also planted for its ornamental value.
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Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Rosales |
| Family | Cannabaceae |
| Genus | Celtis |
Appearance
The Hackberry tree has a rounded crown and a straight trunk. The bark is gray and rough with corky ridges. The leaves are ovate and serrated with a pointed tip, and about 2-4 inches long. The tree produces small green flowers in the spring, which later form into small, round, and red-brown berries. The berries are edible and are a food source for birds and other wildlife.
Care Guide
The Hackberry tree is low maintenance and can thrive in different soil types. It prefers full sun or partial shade and can tolerate drought, wind, and pollution. Here are some care tips:
- Water: Water the tree deeply once a week during the growing season.
- Fertilization: Fertilize the tree in the spring with a balanced fertilizer.
- Soil: The tree can grow in different soil types but prefers well-drained soil.
- Sunlight: The tree prefers full sun or partial shade.
- Hardiness Zones: The tree is hardy in USDA zones 2-9.
Common Pests & Diseases
The Hackberry tree is relatively pest-resistant, but it can be susceptible to some diseases, such as:
- Hackberry nipple gall: A disease caused by insects that causes galls to form on the leaves and twigs.
- Leaf spot: A fungal disease that causes circular spots on the leaves.
- Anthracnose: A fungal disease that causes the leaves to develop brown spots and curl.
The tree can also attract some pests, such as:
- Scale insects: Insects that feed on the sap of the tree and can cause leaf drop and branch dieback.
- Mites: Tiny insects that can cause leaf damage and discoloration.
Habitat
The Hackberry tree is native to North America and is found in different regions of the United States and Canada, including the Midwest, Northeast, and Southeast. It can grow in different soil types and can tolerate different climatic conditions. The tree is often found in woodlands, fields, and along riverbanks.
Question and Answer
Q: Is the Hackberry tree a good shade tree?
A: Yes, the Hackberry tree is often planted as a shade tree because of its rounded crown and large canopy that provides ample shade.
Q: Can the berries of the Hackberry tree be eaten?
A: Yes, the berries of the Hackberry tree are edible and are a food source for birds and other wildlife.
Q: Is the Hackberry tree drought-tolerant?
A: Yes, the Hackberry tree is drought-tolerant and can grow in areas with limited water availability.
Q: Is the Hackberry tree susceptible to any diseases?
A: Yes, the Hackberry tree can be susceptible to diseases such as Hackberry nipple gall, leaf spot, and anthracnose.
Related Plants
- Celtis australis
- Celtis laevigata
- Celtis sinensis
References
- “Celtis occidentalis (Hackberry).” Missouri Botanical Garden, www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=a216.
- “Celtis occidentalis.” University of Florida IFAS Extension, edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/st152.
- “Hackberry Tree.” Arbor Day Foundation, www.arborday.org/trees/treeguide/TreeDetail.cfm?ItemID=795.
