Overview of Celtis caucasica
Celtis caucasica is a deciduous tree from the Cannabaceae family. It is native to the Caucasus and north-eastern Turkey. The plant grows in open forests, rocky slopes, and riverbanks, reaching a height of up to 25 meters. The tree is commonly known as Caucasian hackberry, Caucasian nettle tree, or Persian hackberry tree.
Appearance of Celtis caucasica
The Caucasian hackberry has a round crown and a dark gray, scaly bark. The leaves of Celtis caucasica are alternate, with oval or heart-shaped blades measuring 5 to 12 centimeters long. The leaves turn yellow in the autumn season, before falling off. The flowers of the tree are small, green, and inconspicuous, appearing in spring, followed by small, dark-red berries that ripen in the fall.
Uses of Celtis caucasica
The fruit of the tree is eaten by birds and mammals, making it an important source of food in the wild. The fruit can also be consumed by humans, although it is not commonly used for culinary purposes. The wood of the Caucasian hackberry is hard and durable, making it useful for various woodworking applications such as furniture, tool handles, and turnery. The tree is also planted as an ornamental tree in parks and gardens due to its attractive foliage and bark.
Light Requirements
Celtis caucasica is known to thrive in full sun to partial shade. When grown in full sun, this plant tends to be more heat-tolerant, while it prefers some shade during hotter months in areas with intense sunlight. Therefore, a location with a mix of sun and shade is ideal for its optimal growth.
Temperature Requirements
Celtis caucasica is a cold-hardy plant that can tolerate temperatures as low as -20 °C. However, it grows best in areas with mild temperatures ranging from 18 °C to 25 °C. Nevertheless, the plant can adapt to a wide range of climates, including warm and arid areas, provided it receives adequate water and proper care.
Soil Requirements
The Celtis caucasica thrives in well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. It can grow in a broad range of soil types, including clay, loam, and sandy soils. However, the soil must be moist but not waterlogged. Therefore, it is essential to grow Celtis caucasica in a location with good drainage, especially in areas prone to heavy rains. The plant prefers a slightly acidic to a neutral pH between 6.0 and 7.5.
Cultivation
The Celtis caucasica plant is typically grown in well-draining soil, with a pH ranging from 6.0 to 7.5. It is advisable to plant it during spring or early fall, in a spot that receives plenty of direct sunlight. This plant is not very demanding when it comes to soil fertility or moisture levels, but it will benefit from occasional fertilization and regular weeding.
Watering Needs
In general, Celtis caucasica only needs to be watered when the soil around the root ball is dry. Young plants will require more frequent watering than mature ones. Make sure to water the plant thoroughly, providing enough water to soak the entire root system. Avoid over-watering as this can lead to root rot and other plant diseases.
Fertilization
It is advisable to fertilize Celtis caucasica once a year during the growing season, using a slow-release fertilizer. Apply the fertilizer around the drip line of the tree and water it in thoroughly. Follow the instructions on the fertilizer label and avoid over-fertilizing which can cause damage to the plant.
Pruning
Celtis caucasica typically requires minimal pruning. However, you may need to remove any dead or damaged branches periodically. You can also trim back the tree's canopy to control its size. Pruning is generally done during late winter or early spring, while the plant is still dormant. Always use sterilized pruning shears to avoid spreading plant diseases.
Propagation of Celtis caucasica
Celtis caucasica, also known as Caucasian hackberry, can be propagated through various methods, including seed propagation, cuttings, and grafting.
Seed propagation
Propagation through seeds is a simple and effective method for Celtis caucasica. The seeds should be harvested in the fall when they are fully mature. The seeds need to be stratified for about 90 days to break the seed dormancy. Once the seeds are stratified, they can be sown in early spring. The seeds require a warm, moist environment to germinate, and new shoots will start to appear within a few weeks.
Cuttings
Propagation through cuttings is a reliable method to produce new trees of Celtis caucasica. Cuttings should be taken in late summer or early fall when the tree is dormant. Collect cuttings with a diameter of around 1 cm and with a length of about 20-25 cm. Remove the leaves and plant the cuttings in a well-drained soil mix. It is advisable to use a rooting hormone to help roots develop. The newly rooted cuttings can be transplanted to bigger containers or directly to the field.
Grafting
Grafting is another method of propagating Celtis caucasica and is usually done in early spring. The most commonly used grafting technique is the budding type, where a single bud is taken from a preferred variety and implanted onto the rootstock. The rootstock is then slashed which allows the bud to establish contact with the stalk and form a successful union. This method produces faster-growing trees and ensures that the desired characteristics of the mother tree are passed on in the offspring.
Disease Management
Celtis caucasica is generally free from major diseases. However, the tree may sometimes be affected by a few diseases that can lead to severe damage.
The most common diseases affecting Celtis caucasica are leaf spot and canker. Leaf spot occurs when the leaves of the tree develop small, dark lesions with a yellow ring around them. The disease is caused by fungal pathogens. Canker, on the other hand, affects the bark and causes sunken, discolored areas that can eventually lead to the death of the tree. The disease is caused by fungal or bacterial pathogens.
To manage these diseases, it’s important to maintain proper sanitation practices. This means removing infected plant debris and pruning diseased branches. Fungicides containing copper or sulfur may also be used.
Pest Management
Celtis caucasica is also relatively resistant to most pests. However, there are a few pests that may affect the tree and cause damage.
The most common pests affecting Celtis caucasica are scale insects and spider mites. Scale insects are small, oval-shaped insects that suck sap from the tree and cause yellowing and wilting of leaves. Spider mites, on the other hand, are tiny, spider-like insects that feed on the undersides of leaves and cause yellowing and bronzing of foliage.
To manage these pests, it’s important to monitor the tree regularly and remove any infested branches or leaves. Insecticidal soaps or oils, neem oil, or horticultural oils can also be used to control these pests.
