Celtis tenuifolia aka Georgia Hackberry

Celtis tenuifolia is called dwarf, Georgia, or upland hackberry. It belongs to the hemp family, Cannabaceae. This small tree or large shrub loses its leaves in fall. Its native range covers much of the United States and eastern Canada. It grows in open woods, dry uplands, and sandy coastal sites. It also occurs on rocky slopes, bluffs, and stream banks. Canadian law protects it as a threatened plant.

Growth is slow, with several trunks and many close-set branches. Garden plants usually reach 3–14 feet [0.9–4.3 metres] tall and wide. A single-trunk tree can reach 32 feet [9.8 metres]. Another size listing gives a maximum of 36 feet [11 metres]. The bark is smooth and light gray. Gray stems bend in a zigzag pattern. Brown winter buds bear hairs, and stems lack terminal buds. The simple leaves grow in an alternate pattern. They measure about 0.17–0.25 feet [0.05–0.08 metres] long. Their oval blades feel rough and have heart-shaped bases. Leaf edges may be smooth or toothed. The leaves turn yellow in fall.

Small flowers grow alone or in little groups. Male and female flowers occur on the same plant. Wind carries the pollen, and plants appear able to self-fertilize. NC State gives April to May as the bloom period. Chicago Botanic Garden gives a broader March to June span. The fruits are small drupes, each with one hard stone. Their green skin turns orange-pink as they ripen. Fruit appears from August through October. The yellow flesh tastes sweet but forms only a thin layer. People can eat the fruit raw, though each yields little food. Plants For A Future lists no known hazards or medicinal uses.

Grow this hackberry in full sun and soil that drains well. Chicago Botanic Garden also lists partial shade. Sandy soil and loam suit it, with fertile loam preferred. It can also grow in dry gravel. Established plants withstand drought. Chicago lists USDA hardiness zones 4–9. Plants For A Future warns of winter dieback in Britain. Cool summers may leave the wood poorly ripened before winter.

Use it as a hedge, large shrub, or small shade tree. Its leaves feed several kinds of butterfly caterpillars. Birds and small mammals eat the fruit. Tough, flexible wood has served for walking sticks and fuel. Problems include witches' broom, nipple gall, mildew, and leaf spot. Root rot can also occur. Pests include woolly hackberry aphids, lace bugs, and scale insects. Plants For A Future does not list it as weedy.