LEAF Network Linking Edible Arizona Forests

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hackberry, netleaf

Member profile details

PLANT PROFILE SHEET PDF

http://leafnetworkaz.org:80/resources/PLANT%20PROFILES/Hackberry_profile.pdf

IDENTIFICATION

Common Name

hackberry, netleaf

Photo #1

Scientific Name

Celtis reticulata Torr.

Family

Ulmaceae

Spanish Name

Palo blanco; acibuche

Species Description

A small native tree or large shrub. Leaves are alternate, the margins smooth, occasionally toothed near base. Leaves slightly heart-shaped, rough, dark green. Where leaf connects to the stem, one side is often larger. Inconspicuous, small, greenish flowers appear in March and April as new leaves emerge. Orange red, sweet, edible spherical fruit (drupes) about 1/4 to 3/8 inch in diameter, contain one seed. Fruits are persistent in winter.

NATURAL / CULTURAL HISTORY

AZ Native or Introduced

Native of Arizona

Natural Range

U.S. West, Midwest and northern Mexico

Natural Habitat

Hackberry grows as an overstory dominant in riparian woodlands. Usually found along streams, canyons, and washes, in moist soil, plains grassland, upper desert, desert grassland, and woodland zones.

GROWTH FORM & RATE

Growth Form

Tree

Tree or Understory

Tree

Other Growth Characteristics

Thorns / Spines

Growth Rate

Slow

Canopy Diameter

35 feet

Tree Height

35 feet

Lifespan

100-200 years

Chill Hours

Unknown

Freeze Tolerance

Trees are hardy to -20 degrees F

Site, Micro-Climate, and Growing Considerations

Prefers full sun, but fine in partial shade.

Elevation Range

2500-6000 ft

Appropriate Arizona Elevation Categories

HIGH MOUNTAIN: Flagstaff - USDA Zone 6b (-5ºF-0ºF)
HIGH PLATEAU, MOUNTAIN: Prescott, Tuba City, Winslow, Page - USDA Zones 7a-7b (0ºF-10ºF)
HIGH DESERT: Sierra Vista, Kingman, Globe, Wilcox - USDA Zones 8a-8b (10-20ºF)

USDA Interactive Plant Zone Map for Arizona

USDA Interactive Plant Zone Map for Arizona

WATER

Relative Plant Water Use

Medium: 20-35 inches / year

Post-Establishment Irrigation Needs

1 X Month in Growing Season

Notes on Species-Specific Water Needs

Fairly drought tolerant.

CARE

Pollination

Wind pollinated, usually cross-pollinated

Soils

Netleaf hackberry grows best in deep, well-drained soils.

Propagation

Seed propagation requires cold treatment; stratify at 41 degrees F for 120 days in moist sand. Can also be reproduced through vegetative cuttings.

Pruning Notes

Unruly habit, prune to shape.

HARVEST & PROCESSING

Edible Parts

The fruits are edible, though it is mostly used as an important bird food resource.

Harvest Months

August
September

Harvest and Processing Guide

Harvest and Processing Guide

LEAF is under the fiduciary stewardship of the Arizona Community Tree Council, a 501(c)3 non-profit organization.

PO Box 65122, Phoenix, Arizona 85082-5122

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY

This website and other LEAF Network products shown here was prepared under the Diverse Urban Forest grant, WCG 14-501, administered by the Arizona Community Tree Council. Funds for this project were provided by the Urban and Community Forestry Financial Assistance Program administered through Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management – Urban and Community Forestry Program and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Forest Service. In accordance with Federal law and USDA policy, this institution is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability (Not all prohibited basis applies to all programs). To file a complaint of discrimination, write USDA, director, Office of Civil Rights, Room 326-W, Whitten Building, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, DC 20250-9410 or call (202) 720-5964 (voice and TDD). USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.