Origin
Celtis laevigata Willd. var. anomala Sarg. is a native plant species to the Southern United States, specifically prevalent in Louisiana, Mississippi, and Texas.
Common Names
This plant is commonly known as sugarberry, southern hackberry, and Texas sugarberry.
Uses
Historically, the sugarberry tree bark was used in teas to help alleviate stomach problems, like vomiting, diarrhea, and dysentery. The fruit of the sugarberry is highly regarded for its sweet taste and was widely consumed by Native Americans and early settlers. Nowadays, sugarberry is predominantly used as a shade tree and an ornamental tree in yards and parks.
General Appearance
Celtis laevigata Willd. var. anomala Sarg. is a medium-sized tree that can grow up to 100 feet tall in ideal conditions. The tree's trunk has a gray-brown, scaly bark that often appears rough and fissured. The tree has a pyramidal shape when young, but as it matures, it becomes more rounded with a spread of about 40 to 60 feet. The leaves are simple, alternating, and have an ovate shape with a pointed tip. They are bright green and have a shiny surface that is smooth and slightly leathery. The fruit of the sugarberry is a small dark-red drupe that ripens in early fall and is a favorite food source for birds and animals.
Light Requirements
The Celtis laevigata Willd. var. anomala Sarg. is known to prefer full sun to partial shade conditions for optimal growth. It can grow well in areas with filtered light, but growth may be slower in shaded areas.
Temperature Requirements
The optimal temperature range for this plant is between 20 to 30 degrees Celsius, with a minimum temperature of 10 degrees Celsius. The plant can tolerate hot and humid conditions as well as mild frost.
Soil Requirements
The Celtis laevigata Willd. var. anomala Sarg. is adaptable to different soil types but thrives in well-draining soils that are moist but not waterlogged. The plant prefers soils that are slightly acidic to alkaline with a pH range of 6-8.5. The plant can be tolerant to drought once established but prefers to have a consistent supply of moisture.
Cultivation Methods
Celtis laevigata Willd. var. anomala Sarg. is a relatively low maintenance plant that grows well in a variety of soil types, including clay, loam, and sandy soils. It prefers full sun to partial shade and is well-suited for planting in open areas such as parks, along roadsides, or in residential landscapes.
Plant Celtis laevigata Willd. var. anomala Sarg. in the fall or spring, avoiding times of extreme drought or heat. Dig a hole twice the size of the root ball and place the plant gently inside, backfilling the hole with soil. Water deeply, ensuring the soil is moist but not waterlogged.
Watering Needs
Celtis laevigata Willd. var. anomala Sarg. has moderate water needs and prefers slightly moist soil. It is somewhat drought-tolerant once established, but young plants require regular watering to establish root systems. Water the plant deeply once a week, providing enough moisture to soak the root ball. Avoid frequent, shallow watering as this can lead to root rot.
Fertilization
Celtis laevigata Willd. var. anomala Sarg. does not require heavy fertilization, but a light feeding in the early spring can help promote healthy growth. Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer with equal amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Avoid over-fertilizing, as this can cause excess growth and make the plant more susceptible to diseases.
Pruning
Prune Celtis laevigata Willd. var. anomala Sarg. in the late winter or early spring before new growth begins. Remove any dead or damaged branches, cutting them back to healthy wood. Thin out crowded or crossing branches to promote better air circulation and sunlight penetration. Avoid heavy pruning, as this can damage the plant and reduce flowering or fruiting potential.
Propagation of Celtis laevigata Willd. var. anomala Sarg.
The plant Celtis laevigata Willd. var. anomala Sarg., commonly known as sugarberry, can be propagated through several methods. These include seeds, cuttings, and layering.
Propagation from Seeds
Sugarberry plants can be propagated from seeds, which are typically collected from ripe fruits in the fall. To increase germination rates, the seeds should be stratified before planting. This involves storing the seeds in a cool, moist place for a period of time to simulate the winter conditions that trigger germination. Once stratified, the seeds can be planted in a mixture of perlite and vermiculite, with a thin layer of soil on top. The soil should be kept consistently moist, and germination should occur within 1-3 months.
Propagation from Cuttings
Sugarberry plants can also be propagated from hardwood cuttings taken in the winter. The cuttings should be about 12 inches long and taken from the previous year's growth. They should be dipped in rooting hormone and planted in a well-draining soil mixture. The cuttings should be kept moist and in a humid environment until new growth emerges, which typically occurs within several weeks.
Propagation from Layering
Another method of propagating sugarberry plants is through layering. This involves bending a low-growing branch to the ground and covering it with soil. The branch should be wounded and dipped in rooting hormone before being buried. The buried section of the branch should root and begin to produce new growth within several months, at which point it can be cut from the parent plant and transplanted.
Disease and Pest Management for Celtis laevigata Willd. var. anomala Sarg.
Celtis laevigata Willd. var. anomala Sarg., also known as sugarberry or southern hackberry, is a hardy plant that is resistant to many pests and diseases. Nevertheless, certain issues may arise from time to time, and it is important to be aware of how to manage them effectively.
Common Diseases
One common disease that affects Celtis laevigata is anthracnose, which is caused by a fungal infection. Symptoms of anthracnose include leaf spots, defoliation, and twig dieback. To manage anthracnose, it is important to prune out any infected branches and leaves, keep the soil moist but not waterlogged, and apply a fungicide as a preventative measure.
Another disease that can affect Celtis laevigata is powdery mildew, which is also caused by a fungal infection. Symptoms of powdery mildew include a white powdery substance on the leaves and stems, stunted growth, and distorted leaves. To manage powdery mildew, it is important to remove any affected plant parts, prune for good air circulation, and apply fungicides as needed.
Common Pests
One common pest that affects Celtis laevigata is the hackberry psyllid, which is a small insect that can cause curling and distortion of the leaves. To manage hackberry psyllids, it is important to prune and destroy any heavily infested branches, monitor the population levels, and apply insecticides as needed.
Another common pest that can affect Celtis laevigata is the cottony maple scale, which is an insect that feeds on the sap of the plant and can cause stunted growth and leaf yellowing. To manage cottony maple scale, it is important to prune and destroy any heavily infested branches, use horticultural oils to suffocate the insects, and introduce natural predators like ladybugs.
Preventative Measures
The best way to manage diseases and pests in Celtis laevigata is to take preventative measures to ensure the plant is healthy and stress-free. This includes providing adequate moisture and nutrition, minimizing damage to the tree during transplanting and pruning, and monitoring the plant regularly for signs of stress or damage.
Overall, while Celtis laevigata is a relatively pest and disease-resistant plant, it is important to be aware of common issues and how to manage them effectively to ensure the plant remains healthy and vibrant.
