Desert Hackberry
Celtis pallida
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Pl. 9BAD — Celtis pallida
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IOverview
Overview
Desert Hackberry, scientifically known as Celtis pallida, is a small to medium-sized tree native to the arid and semi-arid regions of Central and South America, including parts of Mexico, Florida, Texas, and several countries like Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Ecuador, Haiti, and Uruguay. This plant thrives in full sun with a preference for dry to moist conditions and well-drained soils ranging from light (sandy) to medium textures. The tree can grow up to 5.5 meters tall and is notable for its edible fruit, making it both an ornamental and useful resource in its native range.
Quick answers
What is Desert Hackberry?
Desert Hackberry, scientifically known as Celtis pallida, is a small to medium-sized tree native to the arid and semi-arid regions of Central and South America, including parts of Mexico, Florida, Texas, and several countries like Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Ecuador, Haiti, and Uruguay.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Desert Hackberry thrives in full sun and prefers dry to moist conditions. It grows well in light sandy or medium soil types. The plant can reach a height of 5.5 meters and is native to regions including parts of Central America, South America, and the southern United States. For cultivation, ensure the soil is well-draining and provide water sparingly once established. Propagate via seeds or cuttings. This tree is hardy in temperate regions and can be grown for its edible fruit.
Light
Full sun
Water
Dry, Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium
Mature size
5.5 m tall
For first-time growers
How to grow Desert Hackberry for the first time
8steps
Start with Desert Hackberry as a simple, low-maintenance addition to your garden.
- 1
What you'll need
Desert Hackberry seeds or young plants, potting soil, containers if planting in pots.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant Desert Hackberry during the spring when temperatures are mild and stable.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Use well-draining soil with a mix of light (sandy) and medium textures. Ensure containers have drainage holes.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Direct sow seeds in the ground or start young plants indoors before transplanting them outdoors.
- 5
First two weeks
Water sparingly to avoid waterlogging, ensuring the soil stays slightly moist but not soggy.
- 6
Ongoing care
Provide full sun and minimal watering once established. Prune lightly in late winter or early spring.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune young plants to shape them, removing any dead or weak branches as needed. Fruit can be harvested when ripe.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting in heavy soil, and not providing enough sunlight are common pitfalls.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:Fruit
Edible uses: The fruit of the Desert Hackberry is edible and can be eaten raw or used to make jams and jellies. It is native to regions in Argentina, Arizona, Bolivia, Brazil, Ecuador, Florida, Mexico, New Mexico, Paraguay, Puerto Rico, Texas, Uruguay, and Venezuela.
Other uses:Fire starterErosion controlLumber
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
22 native · 0 introduced
Distribution
22 native · 0 introducedDistribution across1 continent· 22 native
Americas7 regions
native (7)BoliviaEcuadorHaitiParaguayPuerto RicoUruguayVenezuela
Broader regions
native:Argentina Northwest, Arizona, Brazil Northeast, Brazil South, Brazil West-Central, Florida, Mexico Central, Mexico Gulf, Mexico Northeast, Mexico Northwest, Mexico Southwest, New Mexico, Texas, Argentina Northeast, Brazil Southeast
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXI
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Companion planting
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