Palo Blanco, Lindheimer's hackberry
Celtis lindheimeri

Family: Ulmaceae

What it is like

Celtis lindheimeri is a deciduous Tree growing to 10 m (32ft 10in). It is in flower in April, and the seeds ripen in October. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs). Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils and prefers well-drained 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.

Height (m): 10

Where it is found

Rich bottom lands and on low adjacent hills of streams in Texas. Ravines and brushlands at elevations of 100 - 200 metres.

Southern N. America - Texas to Mexico.

Conservation Status:

Countries/locations it is found in

How it is used

Food

Rating: 2

Fruit - pounded into a mush and then eaten. The fruit is about 7 - 9mm in diameter, it has a thin flesh surrounding a large seed. The seed is probably pounded along with the fruit.

Medicine

Rating: 0

Other

Rating:

Wood - not strong, not durable. Of little value though it is used locally as a fuel.

Wood: A list of the trees and shrubs that are noted for having useful wood.

How it is grown

We have very little information on this species and do not know if it will be hardy in Britain, though judging by its native range it could succeed outdoors in many parts of this country. The plant is quite rare in the wild and is of conservation concern. The following notes are based on the general needs of the genus. Succeeds in any reasonably good soil, preferring a good fertile well-drained loamy soil. Succeeds on dry gravels and on sandy soils. Established plants are very drought resistant. Trees prefer hotter summers and more sunlight than are normally experienced in Britain, they often do not fully ripen their wood when growing in this country and they are then very subject to die-back in winter. Trees can be very long-lived, perhaps surviving for 1000 years. Plants in this genus are notably resistant to honey fungus.

Propagating it: Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in a cold frame. Stored seed is best given 2 - 3 months cold stratification and then sown February/March in a greenhouse. Germination rates are usually good, though the stored seed might take 12 months or more to germinate. The seed can be stored for up to 5 years. As soon as they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots. The leaves of seedlings often have a lot of white patches without chlorophyll, this is normal and older plants produce normal green leaves. Grow the seedlings on in a cold frame for their first winter, and plant them out in the following late spring or early summer. Give them some protection from the cold for their first winter outdoors. Cuttings

Best place to grow: Woodland Garden Canopy; Secondary;

Habit: Tree

Hardiness: 0-0

Growth:

Soil: Light (sandy), medium

Shade: No shade

Moisture: Dry, moist

Things to keep in mind

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

C. helleri. Sm.