Street Trees Through the Seasons – Chinese Hackberry

Celtis sinensis (Chinese Hackberry) is in the Ulmaceae family, and native to China and Asia.

The tree is deciduous, and key diagnostics include alternate leaves, 2-5” long, shiny, and dark green. The venation pattern arises from the leaf base and spreads outward in a palmate pattern; the edges are crenate with acute ends, lighter undersides, and minutely hairy along the main vein. Flowers are tiny and yellow, on a threadlike stem from the leaf base. Bark is smooth with shallow furrows and plates. Seeds are small drupes that are green in the spring, and then turn dark orange or red orange in the fall.

Celtis sinensis  - leaf shape and habit. Note the
distinctive vein pattern and green drupes.

This is a tough tree that tolerates heat and dry climates (if watered), is pest and disease free, tolerates urban pollution, and is deeply rooted. It is a great choice for parking lots, shade and lawn trees, and street trees.

Winter - bare ascending branches.	Spring - leaves emerge early in the season.
Summer - lovely filtered light.	Fall - slight change in leaf color.

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