Celtis australis aka European Hackberry

Taxonomy

Celtis australis, also known as the European nettle tree, Mediterranean hackberry, lote tree, or honeyberry, is a deciduous tree native to Southern Europe, North Africa, and Asia Minor. This tree, which was introduced to England in 1796, is characterized by its spreading nature and can reach a height of up to 25 meters, although 10 meters is more common in cooler climates. The bark is smooth and grey, resembling that of an elephant. The leaves are dark green, oval-shaped, and sharply-toothed, measuring up to 15 centimeters in length. In autumn, these leaves turn pale yellow before falling. Inconspicuous yellowish-green flowers appear in the spring and are followed by small, purple-black fruits that hang in small clusters, measuring up to 1 centimeter wide. The Celtis australis is often used as a shade tree and is commonly found as a street tree. Its narrow, alternate leaves are rugose above and tomentose below, remaining dark grey/green throughout the year. The wind-pollinated flowers are apetalous and green, occurring either singly or in small clusters. The tree's fruit, which is a small, dark-purple berry-like drupe, is highly sought after by birds and other wildlife.

Common names

European Hackberry, Lotetree, Mediterranean Hackberry

How to care for European Hackberry

Difficulty

European Hackberry requires a bit more attention and knowledge to thrive, making it a suitable plant for those with some gardening experience.

Water

European Hackberry should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Soil

European Hackberry loves a well-draining soil. Perlite and vermiculite help with drainage, while coco coir adds organic matter, so a good potting soil mix will have all three. You can improve store-bought soil by adding some perlite to it.

Lighting

European Hackberry requires abundant, bright and direct light. Placing it less than one foot from a window is the best way to make sure the plant receives enough light to survive and thrive. Depending on your region, however, the current weather can affect the placement of the plant in your home. For example, in some areas the sun may be too direct and intense, so it's best to place it farther away from the window. You may also need to adjust your placement according to the season as the sunlight can change intensity over the course of the year. If you live in a region with significant temperature fluctuations, such as a desert, you may need to place the plant a bit farther away from the window to avoid extreme heat or cold. With some care and attention, your European Hackberry will be sure to bring you many years of beauty and enjoyment.

Toxicity

Ploi does not possess verified information regarding the toxicity of this particular plant. In the event that you, a member of your family, or a pet ingests plant material with an unclear toxicity level, it is highly recommended to seek the advice of a medical professional.

Fertilizer

The growth of European Hackberry is gradual and it doesn't necessitate any additional fertilizers. Replacing the soil in its pot once a year should suffice to provide the plant with sufficient nutrition. It's important to keep in mind that plants derive their energy from the sun's rays, not fertilizers.

Region of origin

European Hackberry’s native range is S. Europe.


More info:
Wikipedia