Overview
Celtis africana is a spreading branched trees in the genus Celtis, part of the Cannabaceae family, with deciduous foliage. Celtis africana grows best in full sun, and tolerates most soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H6. Suggested uses include wildlife gardens and low maintenance.
About
Celtis africana is a deciduous tree cultivar within the Celtis genus, which includes 60 to 70 species of shrubs and medium-sized trees. It has a spreading branched habit and produces serrated green leaves along with clusters of small, greenish-white flowers in spring. This cultivar thrives in full sun with a sheltered aspect, preferring fertile, well-drained soils such as loam, sand, or chalk, and can tolerate a range of soil pH levels. Suitable for wildlife gardens and low-maintenance planting, it is hardy to UK zone H6 and can be propagated by seed in autumn.
About the genus
Celtis is a genus of about 60–70 species of deciduous trees, commonly known as hackberries or nettle trees, in the hemp family Cannabaceae. It has a cosmopolitan distribution.
Wikipedia contributors, "Celtis", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Celtis
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Celtis
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Loam, Sand, Chalk
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H6
Plant details
Celtis africana size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Trees
- Habit
- Spreading branched
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Suggested uses
- Wildlife gardens, Low Maintenance
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Celtis africana
- Propagation
- Seed in autumn
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Celtis africana?
Celtis africana prefers full sun. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Celtis africana need?
Celtis africana is adaptable and grows happily in most soil types, including loam, sand and chalk. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays well-drained.
Is Celtis africana hardy in the UK?
Celtis africana has an RHS hardiness rating of H6, meaning it is very hardy, tolerating -20 to -15°C across most of the UK.
How do I propagate Celtis africana?
Seed in autumn.
