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Celtis australis

Mediterranean hackberry

A deciduous, spreading tree up to around 20m tall with a rounded crown. Dark green, oval, sharply-toothed leaves are up to 15cm long and turn pale yellow before falling in autumn. Inconspicuous yellowish-green spring flowers are followed by small, purple-black fruits up to 1cm wide hanging in small clusters

Other common names
European hackberry
European nettle tree
see morehoneyberry of Greece
lote tree

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Size
Ultimate height
Higher than 12 metres
Time to ultimate height
10–20 years
Ultimate spread
Wider than 8 metres
Growing conditions
Loam
Sand
Chalk
Moisture
Well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Green Yellow Green
Summer Green
Autumn Yellow Purple Black
Winter
Position
  • Full sun
Aspect

East–facing or South–facing or West–facing

Exposure
Sheltered
Drought resistance
Yes
Hardiness
H6
Botanical details
Family
Cannabaceae
Native to GB / Ireland
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
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
Europe, N. Africa, Asia Minor

How to grow

Cultivation

Grow in fertile, well-drained soil in full sun; does best in hot summers in the UK

Propagation

Propagate by seed in autumn

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

Pruning group 1

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

Generally disease-free

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