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Bunge's hackberry

Celtis bungeana
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Celtis bungeana (Bunge's hackberry) — botanical photograph
Pl. 8772 — Celtis bungeana
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Overview

Bunge's hackberry (Celtis bungeana) is a deciduous tree native to regions such as China North-Central, South-Central, Southeast, Inner Mongolia, Korea, Manchuria, Qinghai, and Tibet. Thriving in full sun, this plant can grow up to 10 meters tall and is adaptable to various soil types, including light (sandy) and medium soils. It prefers dry to moist conditions and is hardy from zones 4-8, making it a resilient choice for gardeners and landscapers. Bunge's hackberry offers both ornamental and edible value. Its fruit and leaves are edible, providing a unique addition to landscapes in its native range and beyond. The tree’s ability to grow in challenging environments makes it particularly useful in areas with varying soil and moisture conditions. While not traditionally used for medicinal purposes, the plant's adaptability and multiple uses make it a valuable asset in horticulture. Cultivation of Bunge's hackberry requires consistent moisture during the growing season while avoiding waterlogged conditions. Propagation can be done through seeds or cuttings. This tree is best suited to full sun exposure and can thrive in diverse environments, making it an excellent choice for those looking to add a hardy, multi-purpose plant to their gardens.

Quick answers

What is Bunge's hackberry?

Bunge's hackberry (Celtis bungeana) is a deciduous tree native to regions such as China North-Central, South-Central, Southeast, Inner Mongolia, Korea, Manchuria, Qinghai, and Tibet.

Growingconditions · propagation · uses
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Cultivation

Bunge's hackberry thrives in full sun and prefers well-draining soil that is either light (sandy) or medium. It can tolerate dry conditions but also performs well in moist environments. This tree is hardy in zones 4-8, making it suitable for temperate regions. For cultivation, ensure the soil remains consistently moist during the growing season while avoiding waterlogged conditions. The plant grows to a height of about 10 meters and produces edible fruit and leaves. Propagation can be done through seeds or cuttings.
Light
Full sun
Water
Dry, Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium
Hardiness
4-8
Mature size
10.0 m tall
For first-time growers

How to grow Bunge's hackberry for the first time

8steps

Start with Bunge's hackberry as a simple, low-maintenance tree for your garden.

  1. 1

    What you'll need

    Bunge's hackberry saplings or seeds, potting mix if planting in containers.

  2. 2

    Best time to plant

    Plant Bunge's hackberry in spring or fall when the weather is mild.

  3. 3

    Soil and container prep

    Use well-draining soil. For containers, choose a pot at least 30 cm wide.

  4. 4

    Sowing or transplanting

    Transplant saplings directly into the ground or start seeds indoors in late winter.

  5. 5

    First two weeks

    Water regularly to keep soil moist but not waterlogged. Monitor for pests and diseases.

  6. 6

    Ongoing care

    Provide full sun, regular watering during dry periods, and occasional pruning.

  7. 7

    Harvest or pruning

    Prune in late winter to maintain shape and remove dead branches. Harvest leaves and fruit as needed for culinary use.

  8. 8

    Common mistakes

    Overwatering, planting in heavy soil, neglecting winter protection in colder zones.

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Edible & utility

Edible parts:FruitLeaves
Edible uses: Tea
Contextrange · companions · related
VII

Distribution

8 native · 0 introduced
Distribution across1 continent· 8 native
Asia2 regions
native (2)ChinaSouth Korea
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Specimen gallery

1 image
Celtis bungeana (Bunge's hackberry) — botanical photograph
Bunge's hackberry (Celtis bungeana)
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About this entry

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