Linden-leaved Thick-leaved Hackberry (Celtis crassifolia var. tiliifolia)

Silhouette: T. Michael Keesey / License

Celtis crassifolia var. tiliifolia: Overview of the Linden-Leaved Hackberry

Distinguished by broad, heart-shaped leaves resembling those of the linden tree, Celtis crassifolia var. tiliifolia exhibits remarkable morphological diversity. This deciduous tree possesses a sturdy structure and grows effectively in river valleys and floodplain forests. Its presence contributes significantly to the structural complexity of native woodland habitats.

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 crassifolia (Thick-leaved hackberry)
  • variety Celtis crassifolia var. tiliifolia (Linden-leaved Thick-leaved Hackberry)

Living Pulse

Morphology

The leaf morphology of Celtis crassifolia var. tiliifolia serves as its primary identifying feature. The leaves resemble those of the genus Tilia in both shape and margin pattern. Notable morphological traits include:

  • Foliage: Broad, cordate leaves with an asymmetrical base and finely serrated margins.
  • Bark: Covered in distinctive warty ridges and dark gray corky projections.
  • Fruit: Spherical drupes that transition from green to dark purple upon maturity.

Flowering season

Spring

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Name
Dec

Applications

This variety plays a vital role in providing canopy cover and stabilizing riparian soil. The dense foliage offers shade, creating microclimates that support understory vegetation and forest floor organisms. Furthermore, the tree produces nutrient-rich leaf litter that enhances the fertility of surrounding soil layers.

Interesting facts

The variety name tiliifolia reflects its visual similarity to Tilia species, commonly known as lindens or limes. This leaf mimicry can easily confuse observers, showcasing the fascinating variation that can occur within a single parent species.

Geography of distribution

  • United States
  • Canada

Sources

  • GBIF Backbone Taxonomy: Checklist dataset for Celtis crassifolia var. tiliifolia.
  • World Flora Online (WFO): Database entry for genus Celtis and related infraspecific taxa.
  • Plants of the World Online (POWO): Taxonomic notes on Celtis occidentalis synonyms and varieties.

Technical Information

External Databases: GBIF, POWO, Tropicos

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