Celtis tenuifolia aka Georgia Hackberry

Taxonomy

Celtis tenuifolia, also known as the dwarf hackberry or Georgia hackberry, is a deciduous shrub or small tree that can grow up to 12 meters high. It is native to eastern North America but is rare north of the Ohio River and is designated as threatened and protected under Canada's Species at Risk Act. The leaves are alternate, simple, shallowly toothed, and finely hairy, and the winter buds are brown and hairy, only 1 to 2 millimeters long. The tree produces small, stalked, light green flowers in the spring, which are wind-pollinated and self-compatible. The fruit is a berry-like drupe that matures to an orange-red to dark purple color and is edible with a sweet taste. The mesocarp is composed of a smooth outer crust and a pulpy yellow inside. Dwarf Hackberry is hardy to zone 6 and prefers well-drained soil, but can grow in nutritionally poor soil and can tolerate drought. It has a low flammability rating and is suitable for light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils with a pH range of acid, neutral, and basic (alkaline).

Common names

Georgia Hackberry, Dwarf Hackberry, Upland Hackberry

How to care for Georgia Hackberry

Difficulty

If you're looking for a plant that offers a moderate level of challenge, Georgia Hackberry is a great choice to test your gardening skills.

Water

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

Soil

Georgia 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

To ensure optimal growth, the Georgia Hackberry prefers bright indirect light for 6-8 hours each day. Insufficient light can result in slow growth and leaf drop, so it's important to find a well-lit location for this plant. Place it near a window, within a distance of 1 meter (3 feet), to enhance its potential for thriving.

Toxicity

Ploi lacks confirmed information on the toxicity of this plant. If you, a relative, or your pet accidentally consume plant material with unknown toxicity, it's best to consult a medical expert.

Fertilizer

The Georgia Hackberry grows at a slow pace and doesn't require any supplementary fertilizers. By renewing its potting soil once a year, it should receive enough nourishment. Remember, plants obtain their energy from sunlight, not fertilizers.

Region of origin

Georgia Hackberry’s native range is Southeaster N. America.


More info:
Wikipedia