Cannabaceae
Chinese Hackberry: Edible Plant
Celtis sinensis
Plant in full sun in well-drained soil. Water regularly while young and let the top of the soil dry between waterings, as established trees tolerate drought. Prune when young to build a strong structure and thin crowded branches. Hardy in USDA zones 7 to 9. Protect young trees and bonsai from hard frost. Generally pest and disease resistant.
Every 7 days
Direct sun
° - °C
% - %
Categories
What is Chinese Hackberry?
Chinese Hackberry (Celtis sinensis) is a easy-care plant from the Cannabaceae family. Celtis sinensis is a fast-growing deciduous tree in the hemp family, native to East Asia (China, Japan and Korea). It usually reaches 12 to 20 m in height with a similar spread, forming a broad rounded crown with glossy, toothed leaves that turn yellow-brown in autumn. Tiny greenish flowers appear i...
Chinese Hackberry grows up to 18.0m, spread of 1800cm, watering every 7 days. It is not suitable for indoor environments and safe for pets.
Unlike many tropical plants, Chinese Hackberry tolerates watering mistakes. Best for beginners. Unlike many popular species, Chinese Hackberry is safe to keep around pets.
How to Care for Chinese Hackberry?
TLDR: Chinese Hackberry needs Direct sun, watering every 7 days, and temperatures between 15-30°C with 40-70% humidity.
How Often Should You Water Chinese Hackberry?
Water deeply after planting and keep soil lightly moist while the tree establishes. Let the top inch of soil dry between waterings to avoid root rot. Established trees are fairly drought tolerant.
How Much Light Does Chinese Hackberry Need?
Needs full sun, at least 6 hours a day. Shade weakens the wood and can cause winter dieback.
What Is the Best Soil for Chinese Hackberry?
Prefers well-drained, moderately fertile loam with plenty of organic matter, pH about 6.0 to 7.5, but tolerates poor, dry or occasionally wet soils.
What Pot Should You Use for Chinese Hackberry?
For bonsai or container growing, use a deep, well-draining pot with large drainage holes and a loamy, organic-rich mix. Move up one pot size in early spring when roots fill the container.
What Is Chinese Hackberry and Where Does It Come From?
Celtis sinensis is a fast-growing deciduous tree in the hemp family, native to East Asia (China, Japan and Korea). It usually reaches 12 to 20 m in height with a similar spread, forming a broad rounded crown with glossy, toothed leaves that turn yellow-brown in autumn. Tiny greenish flowers appear in the leaf axils in spring, followed by small orange-to-red-brown drupes that are edible and loved by birds. It tolerates drought, wind, urban conditions and poor soils, and is widely planted as a shade tree, in parks and as bonsai. It also serves as a larval host plant for hackberry butterflies.
How to Propagate Chinese Hackberry?
How Big Does Chinese Hackberry Grow?
TLDR: Chinese Hackberry can reach up to 18.0m tall with Fast growth rate.
Max height
18.0m
Spread
18.0m
Growth rate
Fast
Foliage
Deciduous
Plant Uses
Ornamental
Great for decoration
Edible
Can be consumed
Medicinal
Medicinal properties
Medicinal Uses
- Fruits are reported to have astringent, antidiarrheal and antihemorrhagic properties
Culinary Uses
- Ripe fruits (small sweet drupes) can be eaten raw or used in preserves
Is your plant showing symptoms?
Click on the symptom to discover possible causes:
What Diseases Commonly Affect Chinese Hackberry?
TLDR: Chinese Hackberry is susceptible to 7 known diseases. Monitor regularly for early detection.
Powdery Mildew
Powdery mildew is a common fungal disease caused by various fungi species including Erysiphe, Podosphaera, Oïdium, and Leveillula. It affects over 10,000 plant species worldwide. The disease thrives in warm, dry climates with high humidity and appears as a distinctive white powdery coating on plant surfaces.
Aphids
Aphids are small, soft-bodied, pear-shaped insects (1/16 to 1/8 inch long) that feed by sucking nutrient-rich sap from plants. They reproduce rapidly and can quickly weaken plants, causing distorted growth and transmitting plant viruses. Aphids come in various colors including green, black, red, yellow, brown, and gray. They secrete honeydew, a sticky substance that attracts ants and encourages sooty mold growth.
Spider Mites
Spider mites are tiny arachnids (less than 1/20 inch long) related to spiders and ticks that feed on plant sap. They thrive in hot, dry conditions and can cause significant damage to ornamental and vegetable plants. During severe infestations, crop losses can reach 14% or higher as these pests disrupt vital plant processes including photosynthesis, carbon dioxide absorption, and transpiration.
Mealybugs
Mealybugs are small, soft-bodied insects covered with a white, waxy, cottony material. They are common pests of houseplants and outdoor plants in mild climates. These sap-sucking insects feed on plant tissue, causing damage, stunted growth, and can lead to plant death if left untreated. They produce sticky honeydew which attracts sooty mold.
Meaning & Symbolism
Valued in East Asia as a long-lived, sturdy shade tree, often planted near temples, academies and parks.
Compare with similar plants
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|---|---|---|---|---|
| Field Maple | Easy | Bright indirect | 14d | ✓ |
| Silver Birch | Easy | Direct sun | 14d | ✓ |
| Common Blanketflower | Easy | Direct sun | 10d | ✓ |
| Cushion Bush | Easy | Direct sun | 14d | ✓ |
