Celtis tenuifolia

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Dwarf Hackberry
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Plantae Division: Magnoliophyta Class: Magnoliopsida Subclass: Rosidae (unranked) Eurosids I Order: Rosales Family: Cannabaceae Genus: Celtis Species: C. tenuifolia
Binomial name
Celtis tenuifolia

Celtis tenuifolia, the Dwarf Hackberry or Georgia Hackberry is a shrub or small tree 2 to 12 meters high. It is native to eastern North America, but is very uncommon north of the Ohio River. ^[1]

[edit] 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. The fruit is edible and tastes sweet.

[edit] Ecology and Uses

The plant is shade intolerant and slow-growing. It grows in upland habitats, usually not among other hackberries.

[edit] References

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