Celtis koraiensis

Celtis koraiensis is a deciduous tree in the Cannabaceae family. Its native range runs from eastern China to Korea. It grows in a temperate climate and loses its leaves seasonally. In China, it grows in forests, valleys, and on slopes. Records place it from 328 to 4,921 feet [100–1,500 metres] above sea level. In central Korea, it also grows beside roads. It is not native to Britain or Ireland.

The tree reaches about 39 feet [12 metres] in height. PFAF lists it for the canopy of a woodland garden. Its flowers open in April, and bees pollinate them. Each flower has both male and female organs. The fruit ripens in October and can be eaten raw. Each fruit measures about 0.4 inches [10 millimetres] across. A thin layer of flesh surrounds one large seed. PFAF gives its edible value two out of five.

Grow this tree in sun rather than shade. It prefers fertile loam that drains well. It also grows in sandy ground and dry gravel. Poor soil need not rule it out. Mildly acid, neutral, and mildly alkaline soils all suit it. The soil can be dry or moist. Once established, trees withstand drought well. These traits allow planting in a range of free-draining sites.

PFAF lists USDA hardiness zones 4–8 for this species. Summer warmth matters as well as winter cold. Trees prefer more heat and sun than Britain often provides. Cool summers may leave the wood short of full maturity. Winter dieback can then follow. This risk deserves attention when choosing a planting site. PFAF reports no known hazards and no known medicinal uses. That lack of hazard reports does not establish safety for pets.

Seed offers a way to raise new plants. Sow fresh seed in a cold frame once it ripens. Stored seed benefits from two to three months of cold treatment. Sow it under glass in February or March. Stored seed may take a year or longer to sprout. Young seedlings can have white patches on their leaves. Older plants develop green leaves instead. Keep seedlings in a cold frame through their first winter. Plant them out in late spring or early summer the next year.