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Description
Celtis Laevigata, commonly known as Sugarberry or Southern Hackberry, is a deciduous tree that belongs to the Cannabaceae family. It is native to the southeastern United States and can be found growing in swamps, riverbanks, and bottomlands. It can grow up to 80 feet tall and has a trunk diameter of up to 3 feet.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Rosales |
| Family | Cannabaceae |
| Genus | Celtis |
Appearance
The Sugarberry tree has a rounded to irregular crown and a light gray, smooth bark. Its leaves are alternate, simple, and ovate to elliptical in shape. They are dark green and have serrated edges. The tree produces small, greenish-yellow flowers in the spring, which develop into small, round, dark purple berries in the fall. The berries are edible and sweet, hence the name Sugarberry.
Care Guide
Water: Sugarberry trees require moderate watering. They prefer well-drained soil and should be watered deeply once a week during dry periods.Fertilization: Fertilize the tree in the spring with a balanced fertilizer. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for the proper application rate.Soil: Sugarberry trees thrive in well-drained soils that are rich in organic matter. They can tolerate a range of soil types, including sand, loam, and clay.Sunlight: Sugarberry trees prefer full sun but can tolerate partial shade.Hardiness Zones: Sugarberry trees are hardy in USDA zones 7-9.
Common Pests & Diseases
Sugarberry trees are relatively pest and disease-free. However, they can be affected by aphids, spider mites, and scale insects. These pests can be controlled with insecticidal soap or horticultural oil. The tree can also be susceptible to leaf spot and powdery mildew, which can be treated with fungicides.
Habitat
Sugarberry trees are native to the southeastern United States and can be found growing in swamps, riverbanks, and bottomlands. They prefer moist, well-drained soils and can tolerate periodic flooding.
Question and Answer
Q: Are Sugarberry trees fast-growing?
A: Yes, Sugarberry trees are considered fast-growing and can grow up to 3 feet per year.
Q: Can Sugarberry trees tolerate drought?
A: No, Sugarberry trees prefer moist soils and do not tolerate drought well.
Q: Do Sugarberry trees attract wildlife?
A: Yes, Sugarberry trees are a food source for birds, squirrels, and other wildlife.
Q: Are Sugarberry trees deciduous?
A: Yes, Sugarberry trees are deciduous and lose their leaves in the fall.
Related Plants
- Celtis occidentalis (Common Hackberry)
- Celtis tenuifolia (Dwarf Hackberry)
- Celtis laevigata var. reticulata (Netleaf Hackberry)
References
- https://www.arborday.org/trees/treeguide/TreeDetail.cfm?ItemID=946
- https://www.wildflower.org/plants/result.php?id_plant=CELA
- https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=c940
