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.

Celtis, or hackberry, is a hardy deciduous tree (H6) ideal for wildlife gardens, thriving in full sun with interest in spring and summer.

Celtis

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.

Celtis africana is a hardy H6 tree ideal for wildlife gardens, thriving in full sun with interest in spring and summer.

Celtis africana

Celtis sinensis var. japonica is a deciduous cultivar of the Celtis genus, which includes 60 to 70 species of shrubs and medium-sized trees. This spreading branched plant thrives in full sun and prefers sheltered, south- or west-facing aspects. It grows well in well-drained loam, sand, or chalk soils with a range of pH levels from acid to alkaline. Hardy to UK zone H6, it is suited to wildlife gardens and low-maintenance planting. The plant is best propagated by seed in autumn and offers seasonal interest during winter.

Celtis sinensis var. japonica is a hardy, low-maintenance tree ideal for wildlife gardens, thriving in full sun and adding winter interest.

Celtis sinensis var. japonica

Celtis tenuifolia, commonly known as dwarf hackberry or Georgia hackberry, is a spreading branched deciduous shrub or small tree from the genus Celtis, which includes 60 to 70 species of shrubs and medium-sized trees. It thrives in full sun and prefers sheltered, south- or west-facing aspects with fertile, well-drained soils such as loam, sand, or chalk, across a range of pH levels. Native to Ontario, this cultivar is hardy to UK zone H6 and is suitable for wildlife gardens and low-maintenance planting. It flowers in spring with small greenish-white clusters typical of the genus.

Dwarf hackberry (Celtis tenuifolia) is a hardy, spreading deciduous shrub ideal for wildlife gardens, thriving in full sun with spring and summer interest.