Chinese hackberry (Celtis chinensis)

Bunge's hackberry

Silhouette: T. Michael Keesey / License

Celtis chinensis (Chinese Hackberry): Tree Care and Morphology

Originating from the broad landscapes of East Asia, Celtis chinensis thrives as a medium to large deciduous tree highly valued for its dense canopy. Commonly known as the Chinese hackberry, this species graces forests, riverbanks, and lowland valleys, offering both ecological contributions and ornamental appeal in urban landscaping.

Taxonomy

∟ царство Plantae
∟ division Tracheophytes (Vascular Plants)
∟ subdivision Spermatophytes (Seed plants)
∟ Angiosperms
∟ mesangiosperms
∟ eudicots
∟ Superrosids
∟ rosids
∟ order Rosales
∟ family Cannabaceae (Hemp family)
∟ genus Celtis (Hackberry)
∟ species Celtis chinensis (Chinese hackberry)

Morphology

This tree can reach considerable heights, featuring a broad, rounded crown and a straight trunk. The bark is smooth and light gray, sometimes developing characteristic corky ridges. The leaves are ovate to lanceolate, glossy green, with serrated margins towards the apex and an unequal, rounded base.

The flowers are small and greenish, blooming in early spring before or alongside the emerging foliage. The fruit is a globose drupe that ripens to a dark orange or reddish-brown hue, bearing a sweet, edible pulp surrounding a central stone.

Flowering season

Spring

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Name

Dec

Care parameters

Light

Prefers full sun to partial shade for optimal growth.

Watering

Requires moderate watering but exhibits excellent drought tolerance once established.

Temperature

Adaptable to a wide range of temperatures, withstanding both freezing winters and hot summers.

Humidity

Tolerates varying humidity levels, making it suitable for diverse climates.

Toxicity

Generally considered non-toxic to humans and common household pets.

Applications

The Chinese hackberry is widely planted as a shade tree in parks and along streets due to its remarkable resilience to urban pollution and drought conditions. Its wood, being hard and tough, has been historically used for making furniture, agricultural tools, and paper. Additionally, it is a highly favored species in the traditional art of bonsai.

Interesting facts

The sweet fruits of Celtis chinensis serve as a vital food source for numerous bird species, which act as the primary agents of seed dispersal. In the traditional medicine practices of East Asia, various parts of the tree, including the bark and leaves, have been utilized for their purported astringent and cooling properties.

Geography of distribution

China
Japan
South Korea
Taiwan

Sources

Plants of the World Online (POWO)
Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF)

Technical Information

External Databases: GBIF, POWO, Tropicos

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