Plant encyclopedia›American false elm

American false elm

Also known as: American hackberry; beaver wood; common hackberry; hackberry; nettle tree; rim ash; sugarberry; sugarberry tree

A large, spreading, deciduous tree to a height of 20m with dark green lance-shaped leaves. Greenish flowers in spring are followed by small sweet, edible fruits that mature from orange-red to dark purple. Autumn colour is a very striking yellow.

Scientific classification

Species: American false elm (Celtis occidentalis)
Genus: Celtis
Family: Cannabaceae

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Toxicity: Trees
Plant type: Higher than 12 metres
Height: wider than 8 metres
Spread: Deciduous
Foliage: Information to be completed
Habit: Autumn · Spring · Summer
Season of interest: Full sun
Sunlight: Information to be completed
Ideal temperature

American false elm pictures

Distribution of American false elm

Distribution map

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Culture

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Toxicity

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Quick identification of American false elm

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American false elm care guide

Deep spaced watering sessions, mature trees handle dry soil well
Watering: Full sun
Sunlight: Information to be completed
Ideal temperature

Watering

Deep spaced watering sessions, mature trees handle dry soil well

Fertilizing

Balanced hardwood tree feed applied once yearly early spring time

Pruning

Little pruning is needed. Remove diseased, damaged, crowded or crossing shoots and unwanted growth. Timing depends on the plant: generally late winter or early spring; plants prone to bleeding and deciduous magnolias need different timing, and deciduous azaleas and lilacs are pruned after flowering.

Propagation

Propagate by seed in autumn

Growing

In cool climates such as the UK, needs a warm site with well-drained soil in a sunny position. In warmer climates, grow in deep fertile soil in partial shade

More growing and care information →