Small Hackberry
Celtis tenuifoliafam. Ulmaceae
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Pl. 0D09 — Celtis tenuifolia
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IOverview
Overview
Small Hackberry, scientifically known as Celtis tenuifolia, is a deciduous tree native to the eastern and central United States, including regions such as Alabama, Arkansas, Delaware, District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, and others. This plant thrives in full sun to partial shade and can tolerate both dry and moist conditions, making it adaptable to various soil types, including light (sandy) and medium soils. It is hardy in zones 5-9 and can grow up to 4.5 meters tall. Known for its edible fruit, Small Hackberry has been utilized by humans for sustenance. Its distinctive features include small, narrow leaves and a generally compact form, making it an interesting addition to landscapes where space is limited.
Quick answers
What is Small Hackberry?
Small Hackberry, scientifically known as Celtis tenuifolia, is a deciduous tree native to the eastern and central United States, including regions such as Alabama, Arkansas, Delaware, District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, and others.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Small Hackberry thrives in full sun and prefers well-drained soils that are light or sandy. It is adaptable to both dry and moist conditions but needs regular watering during establishment. This tree grows best in USDA hardiness zones 5-9 and reaches a height of about 4.5 meters. For propagation, seeds can be sown directly into the ground after collection, ensuring they receive adequate sunlight for optimal growth.
Light
Full sun
Water
Dry, Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium
Hardiness
5-9
Mature size
4.5 m tall
For first-time growers
How to grow Small Hackberry for the first time
8steps
Start with Small Hackberry as a simple, low-maintenance addition to your garden.
- 1
What you'll need
Small Hackberry saplings or seeds, gardening gloves.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in spring after the last frost or fall before the first freeze.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Choose a well-draining soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.5; ensure containers are at least 15 cm deep.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Transplant saplings directly into the ground or start seeds indoors 8 weeks before planting outside.
- 5
First two weeks
Water regularly to keep soil moist but not waterlogged; avoid direct sunlight for new transplants.
- 6
Ongoing care
Water when dry, prune in late winter or early spring, and mulch around the base.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune to shape during dormant season; fruit can be harvested after ripening but is not commonly eaten.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting in heavy soil, neglecting winter protection for young plants.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:Fruit
Edible uses: The Small Hackberry's fruit is edible and can be eaten raw or used in various preparations. Typically, the small, berry-like fruits are consumed fresh but can also be dried for later use. Skip the detailed preparation methods as per the given data.
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
26 native · 0 introduced
Distribution
26 native · 0 introducedDistribution across1 continent· 26 native
Asia1 region
native (1)Georgia
Broader regions
native:Alabama, Delaware, District of Columbia, Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri, New Jersey, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Ontario, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, West Virginia, Arkansas
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXSee also
6 related
See also
6 relatedPlants you might compare or use together — scored by shared family (Ulmaceae), common use cases, and growing requirements.
same family · Ulmaceae
Botanical relatives — often share phytochemistry + growing needs.
XI
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Companion planting
Compare with similar plants
Growing zone
XII
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Back to the cataloguePlant id · 0d092e67-5cde-40d2-bc9a-d0c86667fb09
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