Overview of Celtis pallida Torr.
Celtis pallida Torr. is a deciduous tree that belongs to the Cannabaceae family. It is native to North America and can be found in the eastern and southwestern parts of the United States, from Kansas and Oklahoma to Texas.
Common Names
The common names of Celtis pallida Torr. include hackberry, netleaf hackberry, sugarberry, palo blanco, and prinsepia.
Uses
The bark, leaves, and fruits of Celtis pallida Torr. have been used for medicinal purposes by Native Americans for centuries. The bark was used to treat sore throats, while the leaves were used to make a poultice to alleviate pain and swelling. The fruits were eaten raw or cooked and were a popular food source.
In addition to its medicinal uses, Celtis pallida Torr. is also used as a shade tree and for ornamental purposes due to its unique appearance. It is a small to medium-sized tree with a spreading canopy, and it often grows on rocky slopes or in sandy areas. The tree has grayish-brown bark, and its leaves are smooth and oblong with serrated edges. In the fall, the leaves turn yellow before dropping off the tree.
General Appearance
Celtis pallida Torr. typically grows up to 30 feet tall with a spread of 20 feet. The tree has a rounded to spreading crown that provides excellent shade. Its trunk is usually straight and slender, with a rough, grayish-brown bark that is furrowed and flaky.
The leaves of Celtis pallida Torr. are alternate, simple, and deciduous. They are oblong and usually 2 to 4 inches long. The leaf edges are serrated, and the upper surface of the leaf is dark green, while the underside is paler in color. In the fall, the leaves turn yellow before dropping off the tree.
The fruit of Celtis pallida Torr. is a small, globular drupe that is 0.4 to 0.5 inches in diameter. The fruits are green when immature, but turn yellowish-green or black as they ripen. The fruit is edible and can be eaten raw or cooked. It has a sweet, sugary taste and is often used to make jams and jellies.
Light Requirements
Celtis pallida Torr. is a plant that generally prefers full sun to partial shade. It can tolerate some shade but will not grow as vigorously as it would in full sun. Therefore, it is best to plant it in an area where it can receive at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day.
Temperature Requirements
Celtis pallida Torr. is a plant that thrives in warm climates. It can tolerate cold temperatures down to 20°F, but it will not survive extended periods of freezing temperatures. Therefore, it is best to plant it in areas with a moderate climate with temperatures that range from 60°F to 90°F.
Soil Requirements
Celtis pallida Torr. can grow in a variety of soils, but it prefers well-drained soils with a slightly acidic to slightly alkaline pH range of 6.0 – 8.0. It cannot tolerate water-logged soils, so it is essential to plant it in well-draining soil. The soil should also be rich in organic matter and have good nutrient content as this helps in the growth and development of the plant.
Cultivation of Celtis pallida Torr.
Celtis pallida Torr., commonly known as desert hackberry, is a native plant of southwestern North America and is commonly found in semi-arid regions. To cultivate this plant, select a location that receives full sun to partial shade and has well-draining soil. The optimal pH range for the soil is 6.0 to 8.0, and the plant can tolerate sandy, loamy, or rocky soil.
Watering needs of Celtis pallida Torr.
Desert hackberry is a drought-tolerant plant and can survive long periods of dry weather. However, to achieve the optimal growth and fruit production, the plant needs to be watered regularly during the first year of its growth. Water the plant deeply once a week during the growing season and reduce watering to once a month during the dormant season.
Fertilization of Celtis pallida Torr.
Celtis pallida Torr. is a low-maintenance plant and does not require frequent fertilization. You can add compost to the soil before planting to improve the soil's fertility. If there are symptoms of nutrient deficiency, apply a slow-releasing fertilizer once a year during the growing season. However, over-fertilization can reduce fruit production and attract pests.
Pruning of Celtis pallida Torr.
Pruning is not necessary for Celtis pallida Torr. However, you can prune the plant to remove dead or damaged branches or to create a desired shape. The best time to prune is during the dormant season, preferably in late winter or early spring. Pruning during the growing season can reduce the plant's fruit production.
Propagation of Celtis pallida Torr.
Celtis pallida Torr., commonly known as the desert hackberry, can be propagated through several methods, such as seeds, cuttings, and grafting. The propagation method chosen will depend on the grower’s preference, available resources, and the desired outcome. Below are the different propagation methods for Celtis pallida Torr.:
Seeds
Propagation of Celtis pallida Torr. from seeds is the most common method used to establish new plants. The seeds can be collected from the fruit in the fall and stored in a dry and cool place until the spring planting season. To increase the germination rate, seeds can be scarified, which is the process of scratching the seed coat to allow moisture to penetrate. Once scarified, seeds can be sown directly on the ground or in containers filled with well-draining soil. Germination can take two to four weeks, and seedlings can be transplanted to their final location once they develop their second set of leaves.
Cuttings
Propagation of Celtis pallida Torr. from stem cuttings is another option. Select a healthy stem from the parent plant, and cut it at a 45-degree angle. Remove any leaves and side shoots from the lower end of the cutting, leaving only two or three leaves at the tip. Dip the lower end of the cutting in rooting hormone and plant it in a container filled with well-draining soil. Keep the soil moist and place the container in a warm and sheltered location. After two to three months, the cutting should develop roots. Transplant the new plant to its final location once it develops enough roots to hold the soil in place, typically after six to eight months.
Grafting
Grafting involves combining two plants to create a new one, possessing the best characteristics of both. Celtis pallida Torr. can be grafted onto the rootstock of another Celtis species, such as the common hackberry (Celtis occidentalis), to increase its resistance to pests and diseases. The scion, which is the part of the Celtis pallida Torr. to be propagated, is grafted onto the rootstock during the dormant season. Once the graft is successful, the new plant can be transplanted to its final location.
Disease Management of Celtis Pallida Torr.
Celtis pallida Torr. is a hardy plant that is generally resistant to diseases. However, certain pathogens can cause damage to the plant if left unchecked. The following are some of the common diseases that may affect the plant:
Leaf Spot
Leaf spot is a fungal disease that causes small, circular brown spots on the leaves. This disease is caused by various fungi, including Cercospora spp. and Phoma spp. To manage leaf spot, it is important to remove infected leaves and properly dispose of them. Avoid overhead watering and apply a fungicide, if necessary.
Powdery Mildew
Powdery mildew is a fungal disease that appears as a white powdery coating on the leaves. This disease is caused by various fungi, including Erysiphe spp. and Microsphaera spp. To manage powdery mildew, spray the plant with neem oil or a fungicide containing copper. Remove infected leaves and keep the area around the plant clean and dry.
Root Rot
Root rot is a fungal disease that affects the roots of the plant. This disease is caused by various fungi, including Phytophthora spp. and Pythium spp. Overwatering and poor drainage contribute to the development of root rot. To manage root rot, improve drainage and avoid overwatering. Remove infected plants and treat the soil with a fungicide containing mefenoxam or metalaxyl.
Pest Management of Celtis Pallida Torr.
Celtis pallida Torr. is generally resistant to pests. However, certain pests may become a problem if left unchecked. The following are some of the common pests that may affect the plant:
Aphids
Aphids are small, soft-bodied insects that feed on the sap of the plant. They typically feed on the undersides of the leaves and can cause curling and yellowing of the leaves. To manage aphids, wash the plant with a strong stream of water or spray the plant with an insecticide containing imidacloprid, acephate, or malathion.
Scale Insects
Scale insects are small, immobile pests that attach themselves to the stems and leaves of the plant. They feed on the sap of the plant and can cause wilting and yellowing of the leaves. To manage scale insects, remove the pests with a cotton swab soaked in rubbing alcohol. Apply a systemic insecticide containing imidacloprid or dinotefuran.
Spider Mites
Spider mites are tiny arachnids that feed on the sap of the plant. They typically feed on the undersides of the leaves and can cause webbing and yellowing of the leaves. To manage spider mites, wash the plant with a strong stream of water or spray the plant with an insecticide containing pyrethrin, neem oil, or spiromesifen.
