Overview
Celtis laevigata Willd. var. smallii (Beadle) Sarg. is a species of tree commonly known as the Sugarberry or Small's Hackberry. It belongs to the family Cannabaceae and is native to North America. The tree is a deciduous perennial that grows up to 80 feet tall, with a trunk that can reach 3 feet in diameter. The bark is gray-brown and rough with numerous small warts or projections. It has a wide distribution throughout the southeastern United States, including Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, Florida, Georgia, and South Carolina.
Appearance
The Sugarberry tree has an open, spreading canopy with a rounded crown. The leaves are alternate, simple, and ovate to elliptic in shape, with a smooth edge and a pointed tip. They are 1 to 4 inches long and 0.5 to 2 inches wide. The upper surface of the leaves is bright green, while the lower surface is pale and can have tiny hairs. The flowers are small and inconspicuous, greenish-white in color, and appear in the spring. The fruit is a small, round, fleshy drupe that is dark purple to black in color and has a sweet taste when ripe.
Common Names
The Sugarberry tree is also known by several other common names, including:
- Small's Hackberry
- Sugarberry
- Southern Hackberry
Uses
The Sugarberry tree is an important species for wildlife. The fruit is eaten by many species of birds, including the Cedar Waxwing, American Robin, and Northern Mockingbird. The leaves are a food source for the mourning cloak butterfly larvae. The wood is hard, heavy, and strong, making it useful for furniture, tool handles, and fence posts. The tree is also used in landscaping for shade, erosion control, and as a windbreak. Additionally, the bark and leaves contain compounds that have been used in traditional medicine to treat various ailments, including diarrhea, fever, and sore throat.
Light Requirements
Celtis laevigata Willd. var. smallii requires full sun to partial shade for optimal growth. In areas with dense shade, the plant may become leggy and weak, reducing its overall health and survival rate. In contrast, too much direct sunlight may cause sunburn and leaf scorch.
Temperature Requirements
The typical growth range for Celtis laevigata Willd. var. smallii is between 18 to 30 °C. The plant can tolerate mild frosts and brief temperature fluctuations. However, severe cold snaps can damage or kill the plant. High temperature, when coupled with low humidity, can cause dehydration and stunt the growth of the plant.
Soil Requirements
Celtis laevigata Willd. var. smallii grows best in nutrient-rich, well-drained, and loamy soils. A pH range of 5.5 to 7.5 is the most favourable range for growth. Soil with poor drainage and hardpan limits the growth and development of the plant. Clay soils may be suitable if the drainage is improved, and the soil is amended with organic matter such as compost or well-decomposed aged manure.
Cultivation Methods for Celtis laevigata Willd. var. smallii (Beadle) Sarg.
Celtis laevigata Willd. var. smallii (Beadle) Sarg. is commonly known as the sugarberry tree. It can be grown from seeds or by transplantation of young saplings. It can tolerate a range of soil types, including sandy, loamy, clayey, and chalky soils. However, well-drained soils are preferred, and the plant should not be waterlogged for extended periods.
Watering Needs for Celtis laevigata Willd. var. smallii (Beadle) Sarg.
The sugarberry tree requires moderate watering, especially during the initial stage of growth. It is important to not let the soil dry out completely, but it should not be watered excessively either. A good rule of thumb is to water deeply once a week, rather than light watering every day. In areas with excessive rainfall, it is important to ensure proper drainage to avoid waterlogging.
Fertilization for Celtis laevigata Willd. var. smallii (Beadle) Sarg.
The sugarberry tree does not require much fertilization. However, it can benefit from a general purpose fertilizer application in early spring or late fall. Avoid using high nitrogen fertilizers as it can cause excessive leaf growth at the expense of fruit and flower development.
Pruning for Celtis laevigata Willd. var. smallii (Beadle) Sarg.
The sugarberry tree requires minimal pruning. However, if pruning is necessary, it should be done during the dormant season in late winter or early spring before new growth emerges. Pruning should be limited to the removal of dead or damaged branches and to maintain the shape and size of the tree. It is important to use sterilized pruning tools to avoid the spread of diseases.
Propagation of Celtis laevigata Willd. var. smallii (Beadle) Sarg.
Celtis laevigata Willd. var. smallii (Beadle) Sarg., commonly known as small sugar hackberry, can be propagated by various methods including seed propagation and vegetative propagation.
Seed Propagation
Small sugar hackberry seeds should be collected from the tree in fall when they are mature. The seeds should be scarified or soaked in sulfuric acid for 30 to 60 minutes to aid in germination. The scarified seeds should then be rinsed with water and sown in a seedling tray filled with well-draining soil. The tray should be kept moist and placed in a warm location until the seeds germinate, which usually takes around 30 days. Once the seedlings are large enough, they can be transplanted into individual pots and grown until they are ready to be planted in their permanent location.
Vegetative Propagation
Small sugar hackberry can also be propagated vegetatively by cuttings. Hardwood cuttings should be taken in the fall or winter from the previous year's growth. The cuttings should be around 6 to 8 inches long and should be treated with a rooting hormone before being planted in well-draining soil. The cuttings should be placed in a protected location with high humidity and kept moist until they form roots. After the cuttings form roots, they can be transplanted into their permanent location.
Grafting is another vegetative propagation method that can be used for small sugar hackberry. The scion wood should be taken during the dormant season and grafted onto a rootstock. The grafted plant should be kept in a protected location until it establishes and begins to grow.
Disease and Pest Management for Celtis laevigata Willd. var. smallii (Beadle) Sarg.
Celtis laevigata Willd. var. smallii, commonly known as small's hackberry or southern hackberry, is a tree species native to the southeastern United States. It is a hardy plant and generally resistant to many pests and diseases. However, there are several problems that can affect the health of the plant, including:
Diseases
1. Anthracnose: This fungal disease is characterized by brown spots on the leaves and premature defoliation. The disease can cause significant damage to the plant if not managed properly. To manage anthracnose, prune infected branches, avoid overhead watering, and apply a fungicide.
2. Leaf spot: This disease is caused by the fungi Cercospora spp. and Phyllosticta spp. and is characterized by the appearance of brown to black spots on the leaves. To manage leaf spot, prune infected branches, remove fallen leaves, and apply a fungicide.
Pests
1. Hackberry woolly aphid: This insect pest is a common problem for Celtis laevigata. It is a small, white pest that sucks sap from the leaves and can cause significant damage to the plant if left unchecked. To manage hackberry woolly aphid, prune infected branches, apply insecticidal soap or neem oil to the leaves, and encourage natural predators such as ladybugs.
2. Bagworm: The bagworm is an insect pest that creates a cocoon-like bag around itself for protection. The pest feeds on the leaves of the plant and can cause significant damage if left unchecked. To manage bagworm, remove the bags by hand and apply insecticide to the leaves.
Overall, the best way to manage diseases and pests for Celtis laevigata Willd. var. smallii is to maintain a healthy plant through proper fertilization, watering, and pruning. Regular inspections for signs of disease or pest infestations can also help catch and manage any problems early on.
