Celtis australis

RHS Plant Profile
Mediterranean hackberry
Mediterranean hackberry visionspictures.com

Other common names

European hackberry, European nettle tree, honeyberry of Greece, lote tree

Trees

A deciduous, spreading tree up to around 20m tall with a rounded crown. Dark green, oval, sharply-toothed leaves are up to 15cm long and turn pale yellow before falling in autumn. Inconspicuous yellowish-green spring flowers are followed by small, purple-black fruits up to 1cm wide hanging in small clusters

Position

Full sun

Soil Types

Loam, Sand, Chalk

Max Height

Higher than 12 metres

Max Spread

wider than 8 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
10–20 years
Max Spread
wider than 8 metres
Max Height
Higher than 12 metres

Growing Conditions

Loam Sand Chalk
Moisture
Well–drained
pH
Acid or Alkaline or Neutral

Position

Full sun
Aspect
East–facing or South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H6
Drought Resistance
Yes

Colour & Scent

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Cannabaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Spreading branched
Genus
A genus of 60-70 species of deciduous or evergreen shrubs to medium-sized trees with serrated green foliage and clusters of small, greenish-white flowers which appear in the spring
Name Status
Correct
Plant Range
Europe, N. Africa, Asia Minor

How to Grow

Cultivation

Grow in fertile, well-drained soil in full sun; does best in hot summers in the UK

Propagation

Propagate by seed in autumn

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • Wildlife gardens
  • Low Maintenance

Pruning

Pruning group 1

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

Generally disease-free