Not the plant you're looking for? Search over 300,000 plants

Celtis sinensis

Chinese hackberry

A large tree with a semi-open, umbel to round-shaped crown and 'papery' leaves with toothed margins from the middle to the tip. The first-year twigs can be strikingly long, brown to reddish brown, sometimes a little hairy. The older bark is smooth and grey. The inconspicuous flower clusters are followed by red drupes. These can vary in colour from green to orange-red or black

Other common names
Japanese hackberry
Yunnan hackberry
Synonyms
Celtis japonica
Celtis willdenowiana
Buy this plant
Size
Ultimate height
Higher than 12 metres
Time to ultimate height
20–50 years
Ultimate spread
Wider than 8 metres
Growing conditions
Chalk
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Green Green
Summer Green Green Orange Yellow
Autumn Yellow Black Purple Red
Winter
Position
  • Full sun
Aspect

South–facing or West–facing

Exposure
Sheltered
Drought resistance
Yes
Hardiness
H6
Botanical details
Family
Cannabaceae
Native to GB / Ireland
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Columnar upright, 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
Far East

How to grow

Cultivation

A warmth-loving plant that grows noticeably faster in a warm, dry environment than in a cold, wet climate. Prefers well-drained soil. Can tolerate drought and air pollution. Avoid planting along driveways, pavements and roads as the roots can cause damage. Avoid damaging the wood with string trimmers and other equipment as wood rot can occur. It has the potential to become a nuisance in some environments if not managed well

Propagation

Propagate by seed in autumn

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Architectural
  • Wildlife gardens
  • Low Maintenance
Pruning

Pruning group 1 Prune while young to promote a strong growth pattern by removing multiple trunks and weak branch crotches

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

Generally disease-free

Get involved

The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.