Origin
Celtis occidentalis L. var. pumila (Pursh) Gray, also known as the Dwarf Hackberry, is a North American native plant that can be found from Florida to Canada and west to Texas and Nebraska. Hackberries are a part of the elm family, Ulmaceae and the Celtis genus, specifically. They are deciduous trees or shrubs with alternate leaves and smooth bark.
Common Names
Besides being called the Dwarf Hackberry, Celtis occidentalis L. var. pumila has several other common names such as the small hackberry, Southern hackberry, Texas sugarberry, and netleaf hackberry.
Uses
The Dwarf Hackberry has several uses ranging from landscaping to medicinal purposes. It is popular in urban areas where it is used as an ornamental tree due to its adaptability to various soil types. The berries of the hackberry fruit are used to make bread and baked goods. They were also eaten raw or dried as a nutritious food source by Native Americans. The plant has medicinal properties; its bark and leaves were traditionally used to treat various ailments such as colds, fevers, and dysentery.
General Appearance
The Dwarf Hackberry's appearance is similar to the Common Hackberry, except that it is a smaller version of the original species, typically measuring only 6 to 13 feet tall and usually occurring as a multi-stem shrub or small tree. It has an irregular shape with a rounded crown, and its small size makes it useful as a buffer or hedge. Its leaves are dark green and glossy, with a toothed edge. It produces small, round, and purplish-black fruit, usually no more than 1 cm in diameter, that ripen in late summer and persist through the winter.
Growth Conditions of Celtis occidentalis L. var. pumila (Pursh) Gray
Celtis occidentalis L. var. pumila (Pursh) Gray, commonly known as the dwarf hackberry, is a small tree or large shrub native to North America. This plant species can grow up to 20 feet tall and spread up to 15 feet wide. It is typically found in open woods, rocky slopes, and riverbanks in zones 3 to 9.
Light
The dwarf hackberry prefers full sun to partial shade. When grown in full sun, the plant tends to be more shrub-like in appearance, whereas plants grown in partial shade have a more tree-like form. It is important to note that young plants require more shade while they mature into young adults.
Temperature
Celtis occidentalis L. var. pumila (Pursh) Gray is a hardy plant and can tolerate a wide range of temperatures. It can grow in areas with minimum temperatures of -40 degrees Fahrenheit (-40 degrees Celsius) to maximum temperatures of 110 degrees Fahrenheit (43 degrees Celsius). However, it has optimum growth in temperatures between 65 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit (18 to 29 degrees Celsius).
Soil
The dwarf hackberry prefers well-drained soils with a pH range of 6.0 to 7.5, but it can grow in a variety of soil types, including sandy, loamy, and clay soils. It can tolerate occasional flooding, but too much waterlogging can be detrimental to growth. This plant species has a shallow root system, making it susceptible to root damage caused by tillage and soil compaction. Adding organic matter, such as compost, to the soil can improve drainage and provide nutrients to the plant.
Cultivation Methods
Celtis occidentalis L. var. pumila (Pursh) Gray, commonly known as Dwarf Hackberry, is a deciduous tree that can reach up to 20 feet tall. It is mostly found in sandy or rocky soils and is best grown in full sun to partial shade. To cultivate this plant, make sure to plant it in well-drained soil that is free from standing water.
Watering Needs
Adequate watering is crucial for the growth of Dwarf Hackberry. Water the tree deeply once a week, or more frequently during hot dry spells, to keep the soil moist. This helps the plant to establish a deep root system that can withstand drought better. Avoid overwatering the tree as this can lead to root rot.
Fertilization
Celtis occidentalis L. var. pumila (Pursh) Gray doesn't typically require frequent fertilization. However, if the soil is poor, you may need to apply a slow-release fertilizer during the growing season. Make sure to apply the fertilizer according to the manufacturer’s instructions and avoid overfertilizing as it can lead to excessive leaf growth at the expense of root development.
Pruning
Pruning is not necessary for Dwarf Hackberry, but it can help shape the tree and maintain its size. Prune the tree in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. Cut back damaged, diseased, or crossing branches to promote better air circulation and sunlight penetration, which can reduce the risk of diseases and pests. To avoid weakening the tree, avoid removing more than 25% of the total canopy in one season.
Propagation of Celtis occidentalis L. var. pumila
Celtis occidentalis L. var. pumila, also known as Dwarf Hackberry, can be propagated through various methods such as seed germination, stem cuttings, and layering.
Seed Germination
Seeds of Celtis occidentalis L. var. pumila can be collected in the fall and stored until spring. The seeds need to be stratified by placing them in a moist medium such as peat moss for a period of three months before sowing them in a greenhouse or in the field during early spring. Germination usually takes place within 14 days.
Stem Cuttings
Stem cuttings of Celtis occidentalis L. var. pumila can be collected from actively growing shoots during late spring or summer. The cuttings should be about 2-3 inches long, stripped of their lower leaves, and dipped in rooting hormone before being planted in a pot containing a mix of sand, peat moss, and perlite in equal proportions. Maintain high humidity by covering the pot with a clear plastic bag and placing it in indirect light. Rooting should occur within a month, and the new plants can be transplanted into individual containers or directly into the field in the fall.
Layering
Celtis occidentalis L. var. pumila can also be propagated through layering which is best done during early spring. A low branch of the parent plant is selected and a section of the bark is removed from the underside of the branch. The wounded area is then covered with a soil mixture and secured in place with stakes. The layered branch should be kept moist during the rooting process, which usually takes 6-12 months. Once rooted, the new plant can be detached from the parent plant and transplanted into its new location.
Disease Management
Celtis occidentalis L. var. pumila is susceptible to several diseases that might affect the growth of the plant. Some common diseases that might affect the plant are as follows:
- Anthracnose: It is a fungal disease that causes leaf spots, twig blight, and cankers. The infection starts in early spring and continues during rainy weather conditions. To manage the disease, removing the infected branches and providing proper air circulation might help.
- Cankers: These are sunken areas on the bark that can cause twigs or branches to die. The best way to manage this disease is to remove the infected twigs or branches and to keep the plant healthy and well-nourished.
- Leaf Spot: The fungus causes brown or black spots on the leaves. To manage this disease, remove the infected leaves and provide proper air circulation around the plant.
Pest Management
Several insects might infest Celtis occidentalis L. var. pumila, which might cause damage to the plant. Some common pests that might affect the plant are as follows:
- The Fall Webworm: It is a caterpillar that builds a web around the leaves and feeds on them. To manage the pest, remove the webs and caterpillars from the plant.
- Scale Insects: These insects suck the sap from the stem, which might cause the plant to weaken. To manage this pest, prune the infected branches and use insecticidal soap.
- Aphids: Aphids are tiny insects that feed on the sap of the plant. To manage this pest, spray the plant with an insecticidal soap or a mixture of water and dish soap.
Regular monitoring of the plant, practicing good hygiene, and providing proper care might help in managing the diseases and pests affecting Celtis occidentalis L. var. pumila.
