Origin
Celtis pumila Pursh var. deamii Sarg. is a small deciduous tree, commonly known as the Deam's hackberry. This plant species belongs to the Cannabaceae family and is native to North America, specifically found in the central and eastern United States.
Common Names
The plant is commonly known as Deam's hackberry, small-leaved hackberry, or dwarf hackberry.
Uses
Celtis pumila Pursh var. deamii Sarg. has many uses. Historically, its bark was used for medicinal purposes to make a tea for treating numerous ailments such as sore throats, colds, and dysentery. The fruit of the tree is a great food source for many bird species such as robins, purple finches, and mockingbirds. Additionally, Deam's hackberry is an excellent ornamental plant that can be grown as a hedge or tree in gardens and parks.
General Appearance
Celtis pumila Pursh var. deamii Sarg. is a small tree that can grow up to 10-15 feet tall and wide. The plant has a rounded or oval shape with a grayish-brown bark that is rough to the touch. The leaves of Deam's hackberry are small, smooth, and shiny with a bright green color. The tree produces small greenish-yellow flowers that bloom in the spring, followed by small berries that ripen to a dark purple color in the fall.
Light Requirements
The Celtis pumila Pursh var. deamii Sarg. plant requires full sunlight exposure to partial shade conditions to grow healthily. It can tolerate indirect light, but it may affect the plant's growth and leaf coloration. It is ideal to place the plant in an area with at least six hours of direct sunlight daily.
Temperature Requirements
The Celtis pumila Pursh var. deamii Sarg. plant is native to the United States and can tolerate extreme variations in temperature from hot and humid summers to cold and dry winters. It grows well in USDA Hardiness Zones 4 to 9. The ideal temperature range for the plant's growth is between 20-30°C or 68-86°F.
Soil Requirements
The Celtis pumila Pursh var. deamii Sarg. plant prefers well-draining soil with a pH range between 5.5 to 7.5. The plant grows in various types of soils, such as loam, clay, and sandy soils. However, the plant grows best in slightly acidic and loamy soil. The soil must retain water without waterlogging, as the plant is prone to root rot in damp soil conditions. To ensure the soil is well-draining, consider mixing in organic matter and perlite.
Cultivation Methods for Celtis pumila Pursh var. deamii Sarg.
Celtis pumila Pursh var. deamii Sarg., also known as the Deam's hackberry, grows well in a wide range of soils. It can tolerate both wet and dry soils and is known to thrive in sandy, loamy, and clay soils. The plant grows well in full sunlight and partial shade, making it a versatile ornamental plant for many landscapes. Start by selecting a proper site with well-draining soil and an appropriate light level.
To plant the Deam's hackberry, dig a hole that is twice the width of the rootball and ensure that the depth is the same as the height of the rootball. Mix the soil with compost to improve the nutrient content and promote healthy growth. Plant the tree, tamp down the soil, and water it thoroughly to settle the roots.
Watering Needs for Celtis pumila Pursh var. deamii Sarg.
The Deam's hackberry plant has moderate water needs, preferring a consistent, moist soil during the growing season. In the first year after planting, it is essential to water the tree consistently, as it establishes a root system. You should ensure that the soil is moist, but not waterlogged.
When the tree is established, you can reduce the frequency of watering to once a week if the soil is not moist. In periods of extended drought, water the tree more often to prevent the soil from drying out. It is crucial to note that overwatering can lead to root rot, which is detrimental to the tree's health.
Fertilization for Celtis pumila Pursh var. deamii Sarg.
The Deam's hackberry is not a heavy feeder, but fertilization can improve its growth rate and overall health. When planting the tree, mix compost into the soil to provide a source of nutrients. After the first year, you can apply fertilizer during the growing season to promote healthy growth.
A slow-release fertilizer with a balance of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium is ideal for Celtis pumila Pursh var. deamii Sarg. Apply the fertilizer in the spring and follow the manufacturer's instructions to avoid over-fertilization.
Pruning for Celtis pumila Pursh var. deamii Sarg.
Pruning is not necessary for the Deam's hackberry plant, but it can help to maintain its shape and promote healthy growth. Prune the tree in late winter or early spring, before the new growth emerges.
To prune Celtis pumila Pursh var. deamii Sarg., start by removing any dead, damaged, or diseased branches. Then, remove any crossing or rubbing branches to prevent damage. Finally, thin out any overcrowded branches to improve airflow and reduce the risk of disease. Avoid pruning the plant during the growing season, as this can cause stress to the tree.
Propagation of Celtis pumila Pursh var. deamii Sarg.
Celtis pumila Pursh var. deamii Sarg., commonly known as Deam's hackberry, is a deciduous tree species that is native to the United States.
Seed Propagation
Deam's hackberry can be propagated by seeds. The seeds should be collected in the fall when they are ripe and have turned brown. After the seeds are collected, they should be removed from the fruit and cleaned. The cleaned seeds can be sown immediately or stored in a cool, dry place for later use. Before sowing, the seeds should be soaked in water overnight to help break their dormancy. After soaking, the seeds can be sown in containers or directly in the ground. If sown in containers, the seedlings should be transplanted to their permanent location after they have grown large enough to handle.
Cutting Propagation
Deam's hackberry can also be propagated by semi-hardwood or hardwood cuttings taken from the parent plant. Cuttings should be taken during the dormant season and should be 3-4 inches long. The bottom of the cutting should be dipped in rooting hormone powder before being planted in a well-draining rooting medium. The cuttings should be kept moist and in a humid environment until roots develop.
Suckering
Deam's hackberry has a tendency to form root suckers. These suckers can be dug up and replanted in their permanent location. Suckers can be taken from the parent plant at any time during the growing season.
Disease and Pest Management for Celtis pumila Pursh var. deamii Sarg.
Celtis pumila Pursh var. deamii Sarg., commonly known as the Deam's hackberry, is a small tree or large shrub that is native to the eastern United States. Like all plants, it is susceptible to diseases and pests that can harm its growth and health. Proper disease and pest management practices can help ensure that the plant remains healthy and productive.
Common Diseases
One of the most common diseases that affects Celtis pumila Pursh var. deamii Sarg. is anthracnose, a fungal disease that causes leaf spots and discoloration. To manage this disease, it is important to prune affected branches and dispose of them properly. Additionally, ensuring that the plant has proper soil drainage and is well-ventilated can help prevent the development of anthracnose.
Another common disease that affects Celtis pumila Pursh var. deamii Sarg. is root rot, a disease caused by fungal pathogens that thrive in moist soil. To prevent root rot, it is important to provide good soil drainage and avoid overwatering.
Common Pests
The most common pest that affects Celtis pumila Pursh var. deamii Sarg. is the hackberry psyllid, a small insect that feeds on the plant's leaves and causes them to curl and discolor. To manage this pest, it is important to prune and dispose of affected branches and encourage natural predators, such as ladybugs and lacewings, to control the population.
Another common pest that affects Celtis pumila Pursh var. deamii Sarg. is the hackberry nipple gall maker, a small wasp that lays eggs in the plant's leaves and causes galls to form. To manage this pest, it is important to prune affected branches and dispose of them properly.
Integrated Pest Management
Integrated pest management (IPM) is a holistic approach to managing pests that emphasizes prevention and the use of natural predators and pest-resistant plant varieties. To implement IPM for Celtis pumila Pursh var. deamii Sarg., it is important to regularly monitor the plant for signs of pests or diseases and take appropriate action as needed. This may include pruning affected branches, removing infested plant material, or introducing beneficial insects to control pest populations.
By practicing good disease and pest management techniques, it is possible to keep Celtis pumila Pursh var. deamii Sarg. healthy and productive for many years to come.
