Celtis australis - hackberry (forest honeycomb)

Genus of approximately 70 species of evergreen and deciduous trees native to temperate and tropical regions. Celtis australis is a large, very long-lived deciduous tree. It has a straight, very branched trunk and rounded, thick foliage; the bark is gray and smooth, only in very old specimens does it show blackish signs. The leaves are oval-lanceolate, serrated, with a dark green upper surface and a lighter, pubescent lower surface. In spring it produces whitish axillary inflorescences, which between the end of summer and the beginning of autumn give rise to green, rounded, edible drupes, which become almost black when ripe.

Pedoclimatic needs

They love very bright positions, possibly in full sun. This plant is rustic and resists intense even prolonged frosts down to -16°/-18°C. It also resists heat and drought well, managing to grow in poor and stony soil. Due to its adaptability it grows without problems in most garden soils, as long as they are well drained. Adult plants are not very demanding, but it is advisable to water young ones abundantly during particularly dry periods.

Botanical Information

Botanical Name: Celtis australis

Family: Ulmaceae