Celtis sinensis Seeds | Chinese Hackberry
LATIN NAME: Celtis sinensis
COMMON NAME: Chinese Hackberry
Plant Profile
Chinese Hackberry (Celtis sinensis) is a deciduous tree of the hemp family (Cannabaceae), native to China, Korea and Japan. It reaches 15-20 m, with a broad, rounded crown, smooth grey bark, three-veined toothed leaves and small orange-red drupes on slender stalks. Tough, long-lived and tolerant of city conditions, it is a classic shade and temple tree of East Asia and a favourite for bonsai.
Science & Biotechnology
Research touching on Celtis sinensis ranges from the botany of the Celtis group to practical horticulture, including seed handling, propagation and the selection of superior forms. Its tolerance of urban pollution has also made it a well-studied street tree species in East Asian urban forestry research. Interest from collectors and breeders has never lapsed, and good seed continues to circulate.
Uses & Benefits
In the garden, Chinese Hackberry earns its place in borders, containers and mixed plantings, and it also rewards growers who raise plants for cutting, drying or kitchen use. Its autumn fruit also provides worthwhile food for urban and garden bird populations. Getting it going is easy; keeping it going is easier still.
Hackberries give sweet edible fruits eaten since prehistory, and the bark has folk astringent records; the trees are fine tough shade trees.
Growing from Seed
Chinese Hackberry grows readily from seed. A period of cold, moist stratification helps seed germinate evenly, after which it should be sown into a loose, well-drained mix. Full sun to light shade suits this adaptable tree well, and it tolerates urban conditions and hard pruning notably well, whether grown as a full-sized shade tree or trained as bonsai. Sow the seeds evenly over the surface and cover lightly in a loose, well-drained seed compost, keep the sowing evenly moist, and give the pot or tray full sun. Grow the youngsters on steadily in pots until well rooted, then move them to their final positions.
Our Take
Chinese Hackberry has real presence in the garden without demanding much in return. Fresh seed sown into evenly moist compost is most of the battle won.
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