Overview
Celtis tenuifolia is a spreading branched trees in the genus Celtis, part of the Cannabaceae family, with deciduous foliage. Celtis tenuifolia 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. It is native to Ontario.
About
Celtis tenuifolia is a small, spreading-branched deciduous tree native to Ontario. It favours full sun and well-drained soils of loam, sand or chalk in south- or west-facing, sheltered positions. Rated H6, it is described as very hardy in UK terms and suits low-maintenance and wildlife gardens. It flowers in April to May.
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
In the garden
Celtis tenuifolia is a spreading-branched, deciduous tree from Ontario. In a UK garden it is best positioned where it receives full sun and is protected from exposed weather by a sheltered aspect; south- or west-facing sites are preferred. The species tolerates a wide soil pH range (acid to alkaline) but requires well-drained conditions and establishes on loam, sand or chalk substrates. Planting should focus on drainage and exposure: avoid waterlogged hollows and choose a site with some shelter from prevailing winds. Hardiness is H6, which in plain terms means the tree is very hardy for most UK situations where frost is not accompanied by prolonged waterlogging. It is suited to low-maintenance schemes and to areas intended to support wildlife, where its seasonal cycle and structure can contribute to habitat variety. Flowers appear in April to May, giving an early-season phase of reproductive activity; place the tree where spring flowering can be observed from paths or seating areas. For a straightforward, wildlife-focused planting, match the site to its sun, soil and exposure preferences and use its spring flowering period as a seasonal marker in the garden.
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 tenuifolia size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Trees
- Habit
- Spreading branched
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Suggested uses
- Wildlife gardens, Low Maintenance
- Native to
- Ontario
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Celtis tenuifolia
- 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 tenuifolia?
Celtis tenuifolia prefers full sun. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Celtis tenuifolia need?
Celtis tenuifolia 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 tenuifolia hardy in the UK?
Celtis tenuifolia 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 tenuifolia?
Seed in autumn.
