Sugarberry, Southern Hackberry
celtis laevigata
Also known as: ["Southern Hackberry","Sugar Hackberry"]
Overview
A medium-sized deciduous tree native to North America, known for its smooth, gray bark and small, berry-like fruits.
Benefits & Perks
["wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","shade tolerant","low maintenance"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Rosales |
| Family: | Cannabaceae |
| Genus: | Celtis |
| Botanical Name: | Celtis laevigata |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Trees
- Suitable Location: outdoor garden, adaptable to various soil types
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"–12–38°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"5–9"}
- Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
- Drainage: Moderate to fast-draining; avoid waterlogged soils.
- Soil Type: Well-draining, loamy soil with organic matter; tolerates a range of soil types but prefers fertile conditions.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: low
- Toughness Level: moderate
- Pruning Frequency: Annually in late winter or early spring before new growth begins.
- Pruning Intensity: Moderate; remove up to one-third of old growth if necessary to rejuvenate the plant.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Full sun to partial shade (4–6 hours of direct sunlight daily); tolerates some shade but may become leggy.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Acclimate plants to full sun gradually to avoid leaf scorch; protect from intense midday sun in hot climates; adjust placement based on light intensity.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
easymoderate
Sunlight
full sun to partial shade
Rotate plant for even growth; use sheer curtains to filter intense light; monitor for signs of sunburn.
Watering
every 7–10 days during active growth, less frequently in winter
Water thoroughly until runoff, ensure good drainage, and avoid overwatering to prevent root rot.
Soil
well-drained, loamy soil with moderate fertility
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).
Ensure good drainage; amend with organic matter; test pH periodically.
Temperature
Hardy in USDA zones 6–10; tolerates temperatures from -10°C to 35°C; prefers moderate temperatures in spring and summer.
Protect from frost; provide shade in intense heat; maintain consistent temperatures for optimal growth.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during spring and summer
Test soil before fertilizing; follow label instructions; water thoroughly after fertilizing to prevent burn.
Propagation
Methods
Softwood cuttings in summer or seed propagation in fall.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Take 4–6 inch cuttings.
- Remove lower leaves.
- Dip in rooting hormone.
- Plant in medium.
- Keep moist and warm.
Best Time: Late spring to early summer for cuttings; fall for seeds after fruit ripening.
Environment
Warm, humid environment with indirect light; maintain consistent moisture and warmth for rooting.
Medium
Well-draining potting mix with perlite or sand; peat moss can be added for moisture retention.
Hormone
Rooting hormone is recommended for cuttings to improve success rate.
Timeline
Cuttings may root in 4–8 weeks; seed germination can take 1–3 months with stratification.
Tools Needed
Pruning shears, rooting hormone, pots, well-draining medium, misting spray bottle.
Quick Tips
Use healthy, disease-free cuttings; maintain humidity with a plastic cover; avoid direct sunlight.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Thinning cuts to open up the canopy; heading cuts to encourage branching; remove crossing or rubbing branches.
Pruning Plan
Prune to maintain shape, remove dead or diseased wood, and encourage healthy growth; focus on structural improvement.
Tools
Pruning shears, loppers, saw (for larger branches), sterilizing solution.
Checklist
Sterilize tools; prune during dormancy; remove dead/diseased wood; make clean cuts; avoid over-pruning.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Early spring before active growth begins.
Pot Size
Increase pot size by 2–3 inches in diameter; ensure good drainage holes.
Method
Remove plant gently; trim roots if necessary; place in new pot with fresh soil; water thoroughly after repotting.
Suggestions
Repot every 2–3 years or when roots fill the container; beneficial for young plants to encourage growth.
Checklist
Choose appropriate pot size; prepare new soil mix; handle roots carefully; water after repotting.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture before watering; water deeply; ensure drainage; adjust for season.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water at the base of the plant, focusing on the root zone, until water penetrates the root ball and drains freely from the bottom. Water early in the morning to minimize evaporation and fungal issues.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water deeply once per week during spring and summer; reduce frequency to every 2–3 weeks in fall and winter, allowing soil to dry partially between waterings.
Soil Improvement
Add compost or well-rotted manure to enhance fertility; incorporate perlite or sand for drainage; use mulch to retain moisture.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Leaf drop, wilting, yellowing, or browning of leaves; stunted growth or bud drop.
Cold Stress
Leaves may drop or turn brown; growth slows or halts; young or newly transplanted trees are more susceptible.
Solution: Mulch around the base to insulate roots; protect from harsh winds; cover with frost cloth in extreme cold; avoid planting in exposed, cold pockets.
Hot Stress
Wilting, leaf scorch, or premature leaf drop; reduced growth; increased susceptibility to pests and diseases.
Solution: Provide shade during peak heat; increase watering frequency; use mulch to retain soil moisture; avoid fertilizing during extreme heat.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Check soil pH; use appropriate fertilizer; apply at correct rate; water after application.
Fertilizing Method
Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring; apply a light dose of liquid fertilizer monthly during growing season; avoid fertilizing in late fall or winter.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Non-toxicCeltis laevigata is not toxic to cats. The seeds may cause mild gastrointestinal irritation if ingested in large amounts, but the plant does not contain any known toxic substances harmful to felines.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
Non-toxicCeltis laevigata is not considered toxic to dogs. The seeds, while not harmful in small amounts, may cause mild gastrointestinal upset if consumed in large quantities due to their fibrous nature. There are no known toxic compounds in the plant that would pose a risk to canine health.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
Non-toxicCeltis laevigata, commonly known as sugarberry or southern hackberry, is generally considered non-toxic to humans. However, ingestion of large quantities of seeds may cause mild gastrointestinal discomfort due to their high fiber content. The plant does not produce any known toxic compounds that would pose a significant health risk.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten in large quantities
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Celtis laevigata suitable for urban environments?
A: Yes, it is adaptable to urban conditions and tolerates pollution well.
Q: Does Celtis laevigata produce edible fruits?
A: The small, berry-like fruits are edible but not commonly consumed by humans.
Q: How fast does Celtis laevigata grow?
A: It grows at a moderate rate, typically reaching maturity in 15-20 years.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Cannabaceae |
| Care: | easy |
| Light: | full sun to partial shade |
| Water: | every 7–10 days during activ |
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