Celtis tenuifolia
Dwarf Hackberry
Mature Size, Growth, Longevity
This is a much-branched, shrubby, small tree with many trunks, often reaching a height of only about 15-35', with an irregular, asymmetric shape and a dense, twisted, compact branching pattern, especially when it grows as more of a large shrub. Slow growing.
Native Range
Kentucky Native — Native in Kentucky, and across the eastern United States, from southern Ontario to Connecticut, and south to northern Florida, and west to the eastern edges of Kansas, Oklahoma and Texas. Not common north of the Ohio River. More common in SE U.S.
Flower and Fruit Details
Flowers are monoecious, unisexual, wind-pollinated and self-compatible, greenish to yellowish-green. Thin-fleshed, berry-like drupes (stone-seeded), green, changing to salmon/orange/red/purplish-brown, pea-sized, rounded, Thin flesh over a large, hard seed is very sweet & sugary, w/ flavor of dates, remaining smooth-skinned when mature.
Leaf and Bark Features
Deciduous: Leaves are simple, alternate, 2-3" long, ovate to deltoid, with an acuminate tip. Unlike the leaves of common hackberry, this tree has leaf bases that are symmetrical or even on both sides, whereas common hackberry has oblique, asymmetrical leaf bases. Leaves are shallowly-toothed, and finely pubescent. Various butterfly larvae feed on the leaves. Bark is light gray, relatively smooth in youth, without the rough, warty protuberances present on common hackberry. The warty bark may appear as the tree reaches medium age however.
Culture and Care
Prefers a more alkaline soil, doing quite well at pH 7.5-8.5. Grows fine in a thin layer of soil over limestone. Does well in sandy or gravelly soils. Tolerates shade and drought. Zones (4)5-8. Leaf galls and leaf spots are possible problems. Most problems are minor and not life-threatening.
Strengths, Weaknesses, Other Facts
Good wildlife value. 3-season interest: Spring, summer and fall. "Tenuifolia" means "having thin leaves". Although rarely found in the north, it does occur in Canada, where it is designated as a threatened and protected species. Songbirds enjoy the sweet fruits, as do humans, although the fruit is mostly seed.
Suggested Uses
Use as a native garden plant, butterfly garden, songbird attractant garden, small shade tree or large shrub for back of shrub border.