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Celtis australis

Celtis australis
European Hackberry, Mediterranean Hackberry, European Nettle Tree, Lote Tree. Honeyberry of Greece

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Celtis australis, better known as the European Hackberry, is a large tree commonly found in the south of France. With its beautiful deciduous dark green foliage, it has a dense spreading to rounded habit. Often used as a specimen tree or for avenue planting in cities due to its good tolerance to pollution, the European Hackberry thrives in deep, moist and well-drained soil, and can tolerate poor or slightly alkaline soils. Plant it in a sunny position, sheltered from cold winds in the north.  
Flower size
1 cm
Height at maturity
20 m
Spread at maturity
15 m
Exposure
Sun
Hardiness
Hardy down to -20°C
Soil moisture
Dry soil, Moist soil
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Best planting time February, October
Recommended planting time March to May, September to November
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Flowering time March to April
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Description

Celtis australis, better known as the European Hackberry, is a large tree commonly found in the south of France. With its beautiful dark green deciduous foliage, it has a spreading to rounded dense habit. It will grow quickly in southern regions, but a bit slower in cooler climates. This sun-loving plant is sensitive to prolonged freezing periods. Often used individually or as a street tree in cities thanks to its good tolerance to pollution, the European Hackberry thrives in deep, moist, and well-drained soil, and can tolerate poor or slightly alkaline soils. Plant it in a sunny position, sheltered from cold winds.

Native to southern Europe and western Asia, Celtis australis is widespread in the Mediterranean region, where it grows in hedges and on slopes. In France, this light-demanding species is found in lowland and low mountain areas, which provide the fertile, deep, moist, and alkaline soils it prefers. The European Hackberry was once cultivated for its edible fruits as well as its flexible and resistant wood, used for making tool handles. Today, it is primarily planted as a shade or street tree, especially in urban areas where it shows excellent tolerance to pollution. This large deciduous tree also exhibits great longevity, sometimes living up to 500 years. It grows rapidly in southern regions, reaching heights of 25m (82ft) with a spread of 15m (49ft). In cooler regions, its growth will be slower and more moderate. It can withstand temperatures as low as -15°C (5°F), but suffers during prolonged cold spells.

At maturity, this single-trunk tree has a spreading and rounded crown. Its foliage is deciduous, with alternate, ovate leaves measuring 10 to 15 cm (4 to 6in) in length, finely toothed and rough. The leaves are shiny dark green on the upper surface, with a greyish underside that turns pale yellow in autumn. The inconspicuous flowering occurs during bud burst. In June, it gives way to small, round, fleshy fruits (drupes) that are green and then turn reddish-black when ripe in early autumn. These fruits are edible and were once used to flavour liqueurs. They are also highly appreciated by birds. The bark of this tree is grey, almost smooth, with numerous shallow longitudinal cracks.

 

Celtis australis is an easy-to-grow tree, magnificent when planted individually in a park, for example. It is often used as a street tree to line large avenues. It should be planted in a sunny location, sheltered from cold winds in regions north of the Loire River. Make sure to plant it in soil deep enough to allow its roots to develop properly and withstand long periods of summer drought.

Celtis australis in pictures

Celtis australis (Foliage) Foliage
Celtis australis (Plant habit) Plant habit

Plant habit

Height at maturity 20 m
Spread at maturity 15 m
Habit spreading
Growth rate normal

Flowering

Flower colour insignificant
Flowering time March to April
Inflorescence Solitary
Fruit colour green

Foliage

Foliage persistence Deciduous
Foliage colour dark green

Botanical data

Genus

Celtis

Species

australis

Family

Cannabaceae

Other common names

European Hackberry, Mediterranean Hackberry, European Nettle Tree, Lote Tree. Honeyberry of Greece

Origin

Mediterranean

Product reference872251

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Planting and care

Celtis australis can be planted in spring or autumn in all deep and damp soils, even poor ones, in a sunny position. It tolerates the presence of limestone in the soil, but requires a sufficiently deep soil to accommodate its powerful root system. Keep the soil moist during the first two summers following planting. Mulching can be beneficial to maintain good soil moisture. Pruning can be done on young plants for shaping, and then every 3 years to balance the branches and maintain a harmonious habit.

Planting period

Best planting time February, October
Recommended planting time March to May, September to November

Intended location

Suitable for Meadow, Rockery
Type of use Free-standing, Hedge
Hardiness Hardy down to -20°C (USDA zone 6b) Show map
Ease of cultivation Beginner
Planting density 1 per m2
Exposure Sun
Soil pH Any
Soil type Chalky (poor, alkaline and well-drained), Clayey (heavy), Clayey-chalky (heavy and alkaline), Silty-loamy (rich and light), Stony (poor and well-drained)
Soil moisture Dry soil, Moist soil, Soil with a tendency towards limestone, well-drained, deep and moist.

Care

Pruning instructions Remove dead branches in winter.
Pruning Pruning recommended once a year
Pruning time October to December
Soil moisture Dry soil, Moist soil
Disease resistance Very good
Overwinter Can be left in the ground

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