Celtis laevigata
Family: Ulmaceae
Plant Description: We have 2 varieties: C. laevigata laevigata and C. laevigata reticulata. C. l. laevigata is a deciduous tree to 16 m or higher, with ovate leaves 4-8 cm long, alternate, oblong lanceolate, light green; have 3 prominent basal veins. Noticeably warty bark and broad crown. Flowers appearing before or with the leaves. Tepals 2-3 mm long, greenish white. Fruits 5-8 mm wide, orange–brown or reddish. Fowers perfect or unisexual. Variable, likely due to intergrading with C. reticulata. C. l. reticulata also deciduous tree to 10 m or more with ovate leaves 3-8 cm long. Flowers and fruits much resembling laevigata, with which it intergrades. Leaves of the more typical individuals are harshly roughened above and not only “felty” but with prominent raised veins beneath, asymmetric, lanceolate to ovate, sometimes rough on lower side. Fruit is a small orange drupe on long pedicle ripening in late summer.
Plant Trivia: If you have a choice of having a single tree for wildlife, hackberry is your choice. Fruit pulp has a high glucose content. Edible, but leave it for the wildlife. Seed is the largest part of the fruit.
Field Identification:
Occurrence: Frequent on loamy soils in pastures and woods, mostly along streams and ravines.
Bloom Period: Spring
Plant Use: Very important food source for wildlife. Wood is occasionally used for flooring, furniture, sporting goods, and fuel. It is a fast-growing tree and can be used in shelterbelts and fence rows and for landscaping.
Key to species of Celtis:
- Branches not spiny…………………………………………………………....C. laevigata
Branches spiny………………………………………………………………………..C. pallida
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