Sugar hackberry (Celtis laevigata, Berlin. Baumz., ed. 2: 81 (1811))

Family: Cannabaceae

Author: Willd.

Bibliography: Berlin. Baumz., ed. 2: 81 (1811)

Year: 1811

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Celtis

Vegetable: False

Observations: C. & SE. U.S.A. to Mexico, Bermuda

Description

The Sugar Hackberry, scientifically known as Celtis laevigata, is a remarkable species belonging to the Cannabaceae family. It boasts an extensive natural range extending from the central and southeastern regions of the United States down to Mexico and even reaching Bermuda. Recognized officially in literature by the eminent botanist Willd., the plant was formally documented in Berlin in 1811.

Typically found in floodplains, riverbanks, and other moist environments, the Sugar Hackberry possesses a distinctive character within these habitats. Its appeal lies not just in its adaptability, but also in the multiple advantages it offers to the ecosystem. As a hardwood tree, it can grow up to 60-80 feet tall, often developing a broad, rounded crown.

The tree’s leaves are simple, alternate, and have a glossy green appearance that turns yellow in the fall, adding to its ornamental value. The bark, smooth and gray when young, becomes slightly furrowed with age, providing a sculptural aspect to the tree. This rugged texture offers shelter to various insects and birds, creating a mini-ecosystem on its surface.

One of the most compelling aspects of the Sugar Hackberry is its fruit, a small, sweet drupe that matures in late summer. These fruits are not only a favorite among a wide variety of birds but are also edible for humans, providing a minor, but historically significant, food resource. Its seeds contribute to the dietary needs of many wildlife species, reinforcing biodiversity within its growing regions.

Additionally, Celtis laevigata has played a role in human cultural history, particularly for indigenous peoples and early settlers who utilized various parts of the tree for medicinal, nutritional, and practical purposes. The wood, for example, has been used in the manufacture of furniture, sporting goods, and other wooden items due to its strength and workability.

In conclusion, the Sugar Hackberry stands out as an environmentally and culturally significant tree. Its considerable range across North America and into Bermuda, coupled with its numerous ecological benefits, highlights the importance of preserving this species for future generations.

Common Names

Deu: glattblättriger zürgelbaum
Spa: palo blanco
Eng: southern hackberry, sugar hackberry, sugarberry
En: Sugar hackberry, Sugarberry, Southern hackberry
De: Glattblättriger Zürgelbaum
Es: Palo blanco

Synonyms

• Celtis berlandieri (Klotzsch)
• Celtis smallii (Beadle)
• Celtis laevigata f. microphylla (Sarg.)
• Sponia laevigata ((Willd.) G.Don)
• Momisia lamarckii (Blume)
• Celtis laevigata var. brachyphylla (Sarg.)
• Celtis laevigata var. anomala (Sarg.)
• Celtis laevigata var. apposita (Ashe)
• Celtis laevigata var. smallii ((Beadle) Sarg.)
• Celtis laevigata var. texana ((Scheele) Sarg.)
• Celtis texana (Scheele)
• Celtis mississippiensis (Bosc)

Distribution

• Alabama (native)
• Arkansas (native)
• Bermuda (native)
• Florida (native)
• Georgia (native)
• Illinois (native)
• Indiana (native)
• Kansas (native)
• Kentucky (native)
• Louisiana (native)
• Mexico Gulf (native)
• Mexico Northeast (native)
• Mexico Northwest (native)
• Mexico Southwest (native)
• Mississippi (native)
• Missouri (native)
• New Mexico (native)
• North Carolina (native)
• Oklahoma (native)
• South Carolina (native)
• Tennessee (native)
• Texas (native)
• Virginia (native)
• West Virginia (native)
• Iraq (introduced)
• Tadzhikistan (introduced)

Additional Images

Leaf

Taken Jan 10, 2021 by Shehadi Ramiz (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 13, 2022 by Jonni Castillo (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 27, 2019 by Jeff (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 8, 2019 by Michael Bilbrey (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 17, 2021 by Pam Marler (cc-by-sa)

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

Bark

Taken Aug 28, 2019 by Natures Guy (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 4, 2020 by catherine white (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 3, 2022 by Tomas Cihula (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 8, 2019 by Michael Bilbrey (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 17, 2021 by Pam Marler (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Gerrit Davidse (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Sep 16, 2003 by EOL − Steven J. Baskauf (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Oct 7, 2022 by Oleg (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 10, 2021 by Shehadi Ramiz (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 9, 2019 by Niko (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Aug 27, 2014 by EOL − Steven J. Baskauf (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Feb 25, 2016 by EOL − Ken Bosso (cc-by-nc)

Taken Aug 27, 2014 by EOL − Steven J. Baskauf (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken May 9, 2019 by Gabe Gabe (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 7, 2014 by EOL − Lauren Hanberry (cc-by-nc)

Flower

Taken Apr 21, 2018 by Ricky Menzer (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 28, 2003 by EOL − Steven J. Baskauf (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Mar 28, 2003 by EOL − Steven J. Baskauf (cc-by-nc-sa)

Other

Taken Nov 7, 2021 by Bella Frakes (cc-by-sa)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/2984491)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:836997-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Celtis laevigata Willd.)

Specifications

Growth form: Single Stem

Growth habit: Tree, Shrub

Growth rate: Moderate

Growth

Ph maximum: 7.7

Ph minimum: 4.4