Oriental hackberry
 

Mature Size, Growth, Longevity

Grows 20-30' tall. Very long-lived, perhaps up to 800-1,000 years.

Native Range

Native to eastern Europe: Ukraine, Croatia, Greece; plus western Asia: Cyprus, Iran, Iraq, Turkey; as well as Azerbaijan in the Caucasus. Grows in plains, rocky places and dry forests.

Flower and Fruit Details

Greenish April flowers have both male and female parts, and are pollinated partly by bees. Fruits are edible drupes, with a large, stony seed surrounded by thin, sweet flesh that tastes like dates. Songbirds enjoy the fruits, which are yellow or reddish.

Leaf and Bark Features

Deciduous: Leaves are alternate, simple, and acuminate at tips. Ovate, with a rounded or truncate base. Yellow fall color.

Culture and Care

Zone (6)7-9. Prefers well-drained soil. Tolerates drought and poor, low-nutrient, rocky soils. Tolerates various soil pH levels, from 5.1 to 7.8. Needs full sun. Few serious insect or disease problems; some leaf spots and galls.

Strengths, Weaknesses, Other Facts

Good wildlife value. 3-season interest: Spring, Summer and Fall.

Suggested Uses

Could be used as a street tree, park tree, shade tree, or possibly in large containers.

Taxa and Plants of this Species at BCA