Common Hackberry, Sugarberry
Celtis occidentalis

Family: Cannabaceae

What it is like

A tree. It grows to 12-18 m high. It spreads 16 m wide. The trunk is 50 cm across. The young bark is smooth but it becomes rough as the tree matures. The leaves are alternate and simple. They are in 2 rows along the twigs. The leaves vary in shape and size. They are 6-9 cm long and widest towards the base. The base is unequal on opposite sides. The tip is long and tapering. There are teeth along the edge of the leaf. The leaves turn pale yellow in autumn. The flowers are small and greenish. The male and female flowers are separate on the same tree. Flowers are wind pollinated. The fruit are pea sized. They are berry like with a hard stone inside. This is pitted. The fruit ripen through red to purple. The fruit are edible.

There are 70-100 Celtis species. They are mostly in the tropics. There are 8-10 species in tropical America. Also put in the family Ulmaceae.

Where it is found

It is native to North America. It grows naturally in deep, rich, alluvial soils. It can tolerate some shade, but does best in a sunny location. It will grow with a range of soil pH and can tolerate pollution. It is cold hardy. It suits hardiness zones 3-10. Arboretum Tasmania.

Countries/locations it is found in

Australia, Britain, Canada, Central Asia, Europe, Hungary, Mexico, North America (country/location of origin), Slovenia, Tajikistan, Tasmania, USA

How it is used for food

The fruit can be eaten fresh. They are also used for jellies and jams. The fruit can be pounded with parched corn and fat and also used for flavouring meat.

The fruit are especially eaten by children.

Edible parts

Fruit, seeds

How it is grown

Plants can be grown by seed, cuttings or grafting.

Trees are fast growing. Trees live for 150 years.

Its other names

Local names

American hackberry, Ameriški koprivovec, Madarbogyo, Nettle tree, Olmo blanco, Ostorfa, Rough-leaved hackberry, Zsidomeggy

Synonyms

Celtis canina Raf.; Celtis crassifolia Lam.;