Western Hackberry, Netleaf hackberry
Celtis laevigata var. reticulata

Family: Cannabaceae

What it is like

A deciduous tree or large shrub. It has a short trunk. The bark is warty. The crown is open and spreading. It grows 6-9 m tall. The trunk can be 30 cm across. The leaves are in 2 rows. They are 2.5-6 cm long by 2-4 cm wide. They vary in shape but are often oval. The base is unequal and rounded or notched. There are 3 main veins. The leaves are dark green and rough above and yellow-green underneath. There is a network of raised veins underneath. The flowers are 3 mm wide and green. There are male and female flowers at the base of young leaves. The fruit are small and pea size. They are orange-red.

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 grows in moist soils along streams. It can also grow in deserts. It can grow in arid places. In the southern USA it grows between 450-1800 m altitude. It suits hardiness zones 6-10. Arboretum Tasmania. ?

Countries/locations it is found in

Australia, Britain, Mexico, North America, Tasmania, USA

How it is used for food

The fruit are pounded into a paste, seeds and all and eaten with animal fat or corn meal. They can also be eaten fresh or made into jams and jellies.

Edible parts

Fruit

How it is grown

Its other names

Local names

Palo blanco

Synonyms

Celtis douglasii Planch; Celtis reticulata Torr.;