Overview
Celtis occidentalis L. var. reticulata (Torr.) Sarg. is a species of deciduous tree that belongs to the Cannabaceae family. It is native to North America, with a range extending from southern Ontario to Texas, eastern Kansas to western Massachusetts, and the Atlantic Coast to Minnesota. The tree is commonly referred to as the common hackberry or the northern hackberry.
Appearance
The common hackberry is a medium-sized tree that can grow up to 60 feet tall, with a trunk diameter of 1 to 2 feet. It has a round, spreading canopy that is often irregular shaped. The bark is gray-brown and smooth when young, but it becomes a gray, corky texture with small warts and ridges as it ages. The leaves are simple, alternate, and ovate to lanceolate in shape, with a length of 2 to 4 inches and a width of 1 to 2 inches. They have a slightly serrated edge, and the upper surface is smooth while the lower surface is hairy and paler in color. The flowers are small and greenish, with both male and female flowers appearing on the same tree.
Uses
The common hackberry has been traditionally used by Native Americans for various purposes. The fruits can be eaten raw or cooked and are a good source of food for birds and other wildlife. The wood is hard and strong, making it suitable for various woodworking projects, including furniture, tool handles, and fence posts. It is also used for fuelwood and charcoal production.
In modern times, the common hackberry is commonly used as a street or shade tree due to its hardiness and adaptability to urban environments. It is also used in reforestation projects and as a windbreak and shelterbelt tree. The tree's root system is deep and extensive, making it useful for erosion control.
Additionally, the common hackberry is known for its medicinal properties. The bark and leaves contain compounds that have been used to treat sore throats, coughs, and other respiratory illnesses. Some studies have also shown that the tree's extracts may have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
Light Requirements
The Celtis occidentalis L. var. reticulata (Torr.) Sarg. plant prefers full sun exposure. It grows well in open areas with plenty of direct sunlight. It can tolerate some shade, but it may not grow as vigorously.
Temperature Requirements
The Celtis occidentalis L. var. reticulata (Torr.) Sarg. plant is native to North America and can thrive in a range of temperatures. During the spring and summer, it can tolerate temperatures up to 95°F without being damaged. In the fall, it can withstand temperatures as low as 14°F. In general, it is a relatively hardy plant that can tolerate a variety of temperature conditions.
Soil Requirements
The Celtis occidentalis L. var. reticulata (Torr.) Sarg. plant prefers well-draining soils that are moderately fertile. It can tolerate a range of soil types, including poorly-drained soils. However, it cannot withstand soils that are waterlogged for extended periods. The optimal soil pH range for this plant is between 6.0 and 7.5. It can grow in areas with a wide range of soil textures, including loamy soils, sandy soils, and clay soils.
Cultivation Methods
Celtis occidentalis L. var. reticulata (Torr.) Sarg., commonly known as Netleaf Hackberry, is a deciduous tree that can grow up to 50 feet tall. It is native to the southwestern region of the United States and requires full sun to partial shade for optimum growth.
The plant thrives well in various soil conditions, including loamy, sandy, or clay soils, and can tolerate drought and alkaline soils. The tree prefers well-drained soil and does not grow well in waterlogged soil.
The recommended planting time for Celtis occidentalis L. var. reticulata is during early spring or fall. Planting should be done in a hole two times wider than the root ball, ensuring that the top of the root ball is level with the soil surface. Mulching can be done to retain soil moisture and regulate soil temperature.
Watering Needs
Celtis occidentalis L. var. reticulata requires moderate watering, especially during hot and dry weather. Newly planted trees require more frequent watering, with the root ball being moist but not waterlogged. Once established, the tree can tolerate drought and irregular watering.
The frequency of watering will depend on the soil type, weather conditions, and the tree's age. Overwatering can lead to root rot and cause the tree's decline.
Fertilization
Celtis occidentalis L. var. reticulata is a low maintenance tree that does not require regular fertilization. A one-time application of slow-release fertilizer during planting can provide the necessary nutrients for growth.
If necessary, additional fertilization can be done during the tree's active growth period, preferably in late winter or early spring before new growth starts. Use a balanced fertilizer with equal amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium to avoid over-fertilization.
Pruning
Pruning is essential to promote healthy growth and shape Celtis occidentalis L. var. reticulata. Prune during the dormant season to avoid damaging the tree's growth. The tree also benefits from occasional thinning to remove overcrowded or crossing branches and improve air circulation.
Prune young trees to create a central leader and remove competing branches to encourage upward growth. Mature trees may require only minimal pruning to remove dead, diseased, or damaged branches. Avoid heavy pruning as this can stimulate excessive growth and reduce the tree's lifespan.
Propagation of Celtis occidentalis L. var. reticulata (Torr.) Sarg.
Celtis occidentalis L. var. reticulata (Torr.) Sarg. can be propagated through various methods including seeds, cuttings, and grafting.
Seed Propagation
The seeds of Celtis occidentalis L. var. reticulata (Torr.) Sarg. can be collected during the fall season. They can be sown immediately or stored for later use. The seeds must be stratified at a temperature ranging between 4°C to 10°C for two to three months before sowing in a well-drained soil mix. After germination, the seedlings can be transplanted to a bigger container. It usually takes two to three years for the seedlings to develop into a tree.
Cutting Propagation
Celtis occidentalis L. var. reticulata (Torr.) Sarg. can also be propagated through semi-hardwood cuttings collected from mature trees during summer. The cutting should be 10 to 15 cm long with two to three nodes. The leaves on the lower node must be removed, and a rooting hormone can be applied to facilitate rooting. The cuttings can be planted in a well-drained soil mix and kept moist under a high humidity environment. The cuttings usually root within six to eight weeks.
Grafting
Grafting is another propagation method suitable for Celtis occidentalis L. var. reticulata (Torr.) Sarg. It involves the joining of two plant parts to form a single plant. The scion, which is a piece of stem with buds, is taken from a mature tree and grafted onto a rootstock of a closely related Celtis species. The grafted plant is then grown until it develops into a mature tree. This method is useful in breeding and ensuring desirable traits such as disease resistance, improved growth, and increased yield.
Disease Management
Celtis occidentalis L. var. reticulata (Torr.) Sarg., commonly known as hackberry, is a relatively disease-resistant species. However, it is still susceptible to some fungal diseases such as:
- Leaf spot: This disease causes small, brownish-black spots on the leaves of the plant. It can be controlled by removing infected leaves and using fungicides.
- Powdery mildew: This fungal disease appears as a white powdery substance on the leaves. It can be managed by increasing air circulation around the plant and using fungicides.
- Anthracnose: This disease can cause leaf blight and twig dieback. It can be controlled by pruning infected branches and using fungicides.
Preventative measures such as planting disease-resistant cultivars and providing proper care such as adequate watering and soil drainage can also help manage diseases in Celtis occidentalis L. var. reticulata (Torr.) Sarg.
Pest Management
Celtis occidentalis L. var. reticulata (Torr.) Sarg. can also be affected by some insect pests such as:
- Hackberry psyllids: These small insects can cause distorted leaves and stunted growth in the plant. They can be managed by removing infected leaves and using insecticides.
- Mites: Mites can cause discoloration and damage to the leaves. They can be controlled by using insecticides and by ensuring the plant is well-watered.
- Borers: These insects can cause tunneling and girdling of the plant. Infested branches should be removed and insecticides can be used for control.
Inspection and early detection of pest infestations can help prevent the spread of pests in Celtis occidentalis L. var. reticulata (Torr.) Sarg.. Additionally, planting resistant cultivars and maintaining healthy plants can help prevent and manage pest problems.
