Celtis tenuifolia

Celtis tenuifolia, the Dwarf Hackberry is a shrub or small tree 2 to 12 meters high. Native to North America.

Characteristics

The leaves are alternate, simple, blades 5 to 7 centimeters long, and 2 to 3.5 centimeters in width, shallowly toothed, and finely hairy. The winter buds are brown and hairy, similar to those of other hackberries, but smaller, only 1 to 2 centimeters long. Terminal buds absent. The fruit have a purplish-brown smooth outer crust, and a pulpy yellow inside with a smooth seed, 5 to 8 millimeters in diameter. Edible, sweet flavor.

Ecology and Uses

Ecology: shade intolerant, slow growing. Grows in upland habitat. Not usually found growing with other hackberries.

Taxonomy

Scientific classification Kingdom: Plantae

Division: Magnoliophyta

Class: Magnoliopsida

Order: Rosales

Family: Cannabaceae

Genus: Celtis

Species: C. tenuifolia

References

Burton V. Barnes and Warren H. Wagner,Michigan Trees