Celtis laevigata (Sugarberry, Sugar Hackberry)
Botanical Information
| Family | Cannabaceae (Ulmaceae) |
| Genus | Celtis |
| Species | laevigata |
| Category | Woody |
| Type | Tree (deciduous) |
| References | Koeser, A. K., Hasing, G., Friedman, M. H., and Irving, R. B. 2015. Trees: North & Central Florida. Gainesville: University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences. |
| Origin | Native to the southeastern United States of America, in addition to adjacent states from Texas to Kentucky, and northeastern Mexico. |
| Ethnobotanical Uses Disclaimer | The wood is used in much the same way as the elm tree (Ulmus spp.) in the lumber industry for plywood, furniture and veneer. |
Details
| USDA Hardiness Zone | 5a to 10b |
| USDA Hardiness Ref. | |
| Canadian Hardiness Zone | 6 - 11 |
| Canada Hardiness Ref. | |
| RHS Hardiness Zone | H7 - H3 |
| RHS Hardiness Ref. | |
| Temperature (°C) | - 40 |
| Temperature (°F) | - 40 |
| Height | 20 - 22 m |
| Growth | Fast |
| Flowering Period | March, April, May |
Description and Growing Information
| General Description | This very large, broad, fast growing deciduous tree has a rounded vase-shaped crown with spreading, pendulous branches. |
| ID Characteristic | The tiny, berry-like, sweet fruit attract many birds. The plant can form large surface roots. Leaves have a longer, slenderer apex than Celtis occidentalis. |
| Shape | Upright, arching branches with a rounded, spreading crown. |
| Landscape | Woodlands and as specimen plant. |
| Cultivation | Grow in full to partial sun, tolerant of a variety of soils including clay, sand, loam, alkaline, acidic and well-drained. It is also tolerant of extended flooding, salt and drought. Some pruning may be necessary when the trees are young, to prevent the formation of weak, branch crotches. |
| Pests | Trunk rot, leaf spot, and witches broom. |
| Notable Specimens | Bok Tower Gardens, Lake Wales, Florida, United States of America. |
| Bark/Stem Description | Lightly ridged bark is tan when young, turning grey at maturity. |
| Leaf Description | Smooth, oval leaves, with serrated margins are light green (light green adaxial, pale green abaxial). Leaf blade length varies from 2.5 to 15 cm. |
| Flower Description | Not showy; emerges singly or in clusters at leaf axils, greenish to white, bloom time is early spring with leaf emergence. |
| Fruit Description | One centimetre round shape, orange to red colour, turning deep purple when mature in the autumn. The sweet berries are eaten by birds, who in turn disperse the seeds. |
| Texture Description | The medium-textured, light green leaves turn bright yellow in autumn. |
Photographs
Celtis laevigata, form, Bok Tower Gardens, Lake Wales, Florida, United States of America.
Celtis laevigata, form, Bok Tower Gardens, Lake Wales, Florida, United States of America.
