Celtis reticulata

Netleaf Hackberry; Canyon Hackberry; Western Hackberry

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Hailing from the diverse landscapes of North America, particularly in the western regions, Celtis reticulata, commonly known as Western Hackberry, boasts adaptability to a variety of climates. Its origins in arid environments make it well-suited for landscapes with similar conditions, thriving in well-drained soils and providing landscape architects with a resilient and versatile design option. Also known as Netleaf hackberry, Douglas hackberry, Netleaf sugar hackberry, Palo blanco, and Acibuche.

Architectural Form and Foliage:

The Western Hackberry Is known as a broadleaf deciduous tree. It showcases an architectural elegance with its intricately veined leaves, presenting landscape architects with a visually captivating canvas. Whether utilized as a standalone feature, an accent in mixed plantings, or part of a verdant backdrop, its foliage adds a touch of sophistication to outdoor designs, enhancing the overall aesthetic appeal with its unique growth habit.

Floral Display and Growth Speed:

While the flowers are very small, they form cymose clusters and evolve into a brownish-purple berry. With a moderate growth rate, this species ensures a balanced combination of prompt establishment and long-term manageability for designers, allowing for the creation of landscapes that evolve gracefully over time.

Light and Water Requirements:

Thriving under ample sunlight, Western Hackberry reaches its full potential when exposed to at least six hours of sunlight daily. While it can tolerate some shade, providing abundant sunlight enhances its growth and overall health. As a drought-tolerant species, consistent watering during the establishment phase ensures optimal growth and resilience, making it a reliable choice for various landscape designs.

Wildlife Support and Biodiversity:

Indigenous to North America, particularly in the western regions, Western Hackberry plays a vital role in supporting local biodiversity. Its inconspicuous flowers attract pollinators such as butterflies, moths, and bees, offering landscape architects an opportunity to create outdoor spaces that contribute to the well-being of native pollinating wildlife. Resistant to browsing by rabbits and deer, tender fresh twigs are sometimes susceptible to mule deer and bighorn sheep in their native ranges.

Native American Cultural Significance and Local Context:

In Native American cultures, Western Hackberry holds specific cultural significance. Traditionally, various Native American tribes, particularly the Apache (Chiricahua and Mescalero) and Navajo tribes, have utilized different parts of the plant for medicinal purposes, basket weaving, and as a source of food. The plant's presence in the local landscape has often been intertwined with stories and folklore, making it an integral part of the region's cultural heritage. Landscape architects can draw inspiration from these cultural connections to create designs that resonate with the historical and spiritual essence of the land.

Challenges and Considerations:

While generally low-maintenance, landscape architects should consider the mature size and growth habit of Western Hackberry during the planning stages. Harnessing its well-structured growth can contribute to creating visually dynamic landscapes. Regular pruning and maintenance ensure optimal blooming cycles, guaranteeing a continuous display of its subtle yet charming flowers. While it can be displayed as a tree with proper care, with drought conditions and a lack of care it can become stunted and scraggly, forming into a rough shrub. Bark is a brownish gray with corky ridges.

Integration into Landscape Designs:

With its understated floral charm, cultural adaptability, and moderate growth rate, Western Hackberry seamlessly integrates into diverse landscape designs. Designers can use it to bring a touch of elegance to xeriscape gardens, as a focal point in rock gardens, or as a complimentary element in mixed plantings, enhancing the overall aesthetic appeal of outdoor spaces.

Designing with Western Hackberry:

For landscape architects and designers, Celtis reticulata, commonly known as Western Hackberry, presents an opportunity to infuse outdoor spaces with subtle floral beauty, wildlife support, and an adaptable essence. Whether featured prominently or subtly woven into a diverse plant palette, this species contributes to the creation of visually dynamic and environmentally conscious landscapes.

FAMILY

Cannabaceae

MATURE HEIGHT

15 to 25 ft

GROWTH HABIT

Celtis reticulata is a slow-growing deciduous shrub or small tree, reaching 15–30 feet tall, with a variable habit that can be spreading and somewhat scraggly, featuring twisted or crooked branches. When water is limited, it remains shrubby, but on favorable sites, it can form a more rounded canopy. It possesses a deep taproot combined with shallow, fibrous roots, and is very long-lived.

WATER REQUIREMENT

Moderate Water

HARDY TO

10°F

NATIVE REGION

Western US, northern Mexico

TYPE

Tree to shrub form

SOIL TYPE

Well-drained. Celtis reticulata tolerates a wide range of well-drained soils, from rocky and limestone to loam or sand, and is highly adaptable to various pH levels, from mildly acidic to alkaline. It is known for its high drought resistance and thrives in dry to moist conditions, though it is intolerant of consistently poor drainage or standing water. Furthermore, the species has a low fertility requirement and grows well even in nutritionally poor or gravelly soils.

MAINTENACE TIPS

Following establishment for Celtis reticulata, the Netleaf Hackberry,, watering is generally unnecessary except during extended drought, though occasional deep watering can improve appearance. Minimal pruning during the dormant season (late winter or early spring) is required to remove dead or weak limbs and to maintain desired shape, while harmless leaf galls require no treatment. Regular application of mulch in the spring can further enhance its drought tolerance. Address any mistletoe infestations by pruning affected areas promptly.

ELEVATION

to 7500 feet

18 to 30 ft

MATURE WIDTH

LEAF SHAPE

The leaf of the Celtis reticulata, or Netleaf Hackberry, is a simple, alternate, and ovate to lanceolate shape with a pointed tip and an asymmetrical or rounded base. It is characterized by its leathery, dark green, and rough upper surface, while the underside features conspicuous, lighter-colored, net-like or reticulated veins that project from the surface. The leaf margin can be entirely smooth or have a few widely spaced teeth, and the texture on both sides is often described as scabrous or rough to the touch, like sandpaper.

FLOWER COLOR

Greenish-yellow; Inconspicuous

FLOWER CHARACTERISTICS

Appearing in the spring, the flowers may be bisexual, with both male and female parts, or unisexual, with male and female flowers appearing on the same plant (monoecious). They occur in small, solitary clusters in the leaf axils. Very inconspicuous on the plant.

FRUIT/SEED

The Celtis reticulata fruit is a globose drupe, about 1/4 to 3/8 inch in diameter, with thin, sweet flesh that ripens from green to orange-red or purplish-brown by late summer or fall. Encased within the edible flesh is a single, hard, cream-colored, bony seed, roughly 5.5 mm in diameter. The fruits are an important food source for birds and other wildlife, which aid in seed dispersal.

SUN EXPOSURE

Full Sun

POLLINATORS

Celtis reticulata, the Netleaf Hackberry, serves as a vital wildlife food and habitat tree, offering sweet, edible orange-red berries that are a critical winter food source for numerous bird species, including turkey and quail. The tree's leaves are a primary food source for the larvae of several butterflies, such as the American Snout, Hackberry Emperor, and Mourning Cloak, while its inconspicuous flowers provide nectar for various pollinating insects. Additionally, its leaves and twigs are browsed by larger herbivores like deer and bighorn sheep.

PRUNING TIPS

For Celtis reticulata, minimal pruning is generally required, focusing on removing dead, diseased, or crossing branches during the dormant season to improve air circulation and structure. Young trees should be pruned early to establish a strong central leader and robust branching structure, while mature trees only need periodic maintenance to control size and remove weak limbs.