Scientific Family
Ulmaceae
Synonyms
Celtis douglasii, Celtis occidentalis var. reticulata, Celtis reticulata var. vestita, Celtis reticulata
Other common names
canyon hackberry
Plant type
Trees
Riparian
Yes
Plant Description
Origin
Native
Small shrub-like tree with a short trunk; open, wide spreading crown and crooked, sprawling, erratic branches. Moderate to rapid grower. Prefers moist soils along streams and in canyons. Also found on hillsides from upper desert to oak woodlands.
Deciduous, with a rounded crown; bark is gray to whitish with large corky warts on trunk; leaves alternate; blades ovate, thick textured, firm and like sandpaper; flowers inconspicuous, small, and greenish.
Height
30 feet
Width
30 feet
Habitat
Habitat description
Prefers moist soils along streams and in canyons.
Plant Community
Riparian
Low elevation
2500
High elevation
7000
Leaves
Leaf color
Dark green
Leaf type
Simple
Leaf shape
Round or oval
Leaf margin
Toothed
Leaf hairs
Bottom of leaves
Spines
No
Leaf Drop
Deciduous
Rough, dark green on the top surface and grayish-green below, 3 primary veins and numerous smaller cross veins, attached to stems in 2 rows, usually toothed (can be smooth), uneven at the base, ovate and thick. 2-1/2 inches long by 1-1/2 inches wide.
Flowers
Flower color
Greenish
Flower shape
Inconspicuous
Tubular
No
First bloom month
March
Last bloom month
May
Very small, 1/8 inch wide, greenish, male and female flowers separate but on the same tree. Inflorescences of 1 to 4 flowers in axils of young leaves.
Flower clusters
Rounded
Fruit
Fruit color
Orange to red
Fruit type
Berry-like
Drupe (single-seeded cherry-like fruit), located on the long stem at each leaf axil. Diameter to 3/8 inch. A thin layer of pulp surrounds a single interior seed. Fruits attract birds.