Nettle Tree
Celtis australis
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Pl. 3940 — Celtis australis
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IOverview
Overview
The Nettle Tree (Celtis australis) is a deciduous tree native to the Mediterranean and parts of Europe, including Albania, Algeria, Bulgaria, and France. Known for its edible fruit and seeds, this tree thrives in light or medium soil with a pH between 7 and 7.5, preferring dry to moist conditions. Standing up to 20 meters tall, it is recognized by its light nature and hardiness ranging from zone 5 to 9. This versatile plant can be found across various regions including Greece, Italy, and Turkey, contributing to local ecosystems and providing sustenance through its fruit and seeds.
Quick answers
What is Nettle Tree?
The Nettle Tree (Celtis australis) is a deciduous tree native to the Mediterranean and parts of Europe, including Albania, Algeria, Bulgaria, and France. Known for its edible fruit and seeds, this tree thrives in light or medium soil with a pH between 7 and 7.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Nettle Tree (Celtis australis) thrives in light to partial shade and prefers well-draining soil with a pH between 7 and 7.5. It is drought-tolerant but benefits from moist conditions, especially during dry spells. The tree grows best in light (sandy) or medium soils. Propagation can be done through seeds or cuttings. Hardy in temperate regions, it reaches heights of up to 20 meters. Harvest the fruit and seed for edible uses.
Light
8/10
Water
Dry, Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium
Hardiness
5-9
Habit
Tree
Mature size
20.0 m tall
Soil pH
7–7.5
For first-time growers
How to grow Nettle Tree for the first time
7steps
Start with a simple Nettle Tree to gain experience in tree cultivation.
- 1
What you'll need
A young Nettle Tree sapling, well-draining soil, and a large pot or planting space.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant the Nettle Tree in spring when temperatures are mild but not too hot.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Ensure the soil is light (sandy) to medium, with a pH of 7–7.5. For containers, use a pot at least 30 cm wide and deep.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Transplant the sapling carefully, ensuring not to damage the roots. Water thoroughly after planting.
- 5
First two weeks
Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Place in a partially shaded area during this period.
- 6
Ongoing care
Water regularly, especially during dry spells, and mulch to retain moisture. Prune lightly to shape the tree as needed.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune in late winter before new growth starts to maintain the tree's shape and health.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:FruitSeed
Edible uses: Oil
Other uses:DyeFire starteroilLumber
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
24 native · 6 introduced
Distribution
24 native · 6 introducedDistribution across3 continents· 24 native· 6 introduced
Europe13 regions
native (9)AlbaniaBulgariaCyprusFranceGreeceItalyPortugalRomaniaSpain
introduced (4)HungaryPortugalSpainSwitzerland
Asia4 regions
native (3)IranPalestineTurkey
introduced (1)Uzbekistan
Africa3 regions
native (3)AlgeriaMoroccoTunisia
Broader regions
native:Turkey-in-Europe, Transcaucasus, Yugoslavia, East Aegean Is., Lebanon-Syria
introduced:New South Wales
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXI
Explore further
Companion planting
Growing zone
XII
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Back to the cataloguePlant id · 3940dbc5-993d-489f-af36-cb3e79d99070
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