SafePlants

European Nettle Tree (Celtis australis)

The European nettle tree, scientifically known as Celtis australis, is a deciduous tree valued for its shade and resilience. It is also referred to by several common names, including Mediterranean hackberry, lote tree, and honeyberry.

Considerations for Pets

• The European Hackberry bears small edible fruits.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Celtis australis
• Common Names: European nettle tree, Mediterranean hackberry, lote tree, honeyberry, European hackberry
• Family: Ulmaceae
• Synonyms: C. lutea

Distribution and Habitat

• Native to southern Europe.
• Found in hedges, banks, and sandy areas.
• Grows in dry karst regions and on rocky slopes with thin topsoil.
• Distributed in Southern Europe, Caucasus, Himalayas, and east to Nepal up to 2500 m above sea level.

Ecological Role

• In Australia, the European hackberry is considered invasive, impacting woodland, urban areas, river margins, and pine plantations.

Morphological Characteristics

• Deciduous tree, typically 40 to 70 feet tall and 40 to 50 feet wide.
• Round topped with a straight gray trunk.
• Smooth, light grey, somewhat warty bark.
• Branches are more upright in youth.
• Leaves are ovate-lanceolate, acuminate, serrate or double-serrate, rounded or cordate at the base. Lamina is oblique, usually 4-15 cm.
• Produces green flowers and deep purple berries.

Interactions with Other Organisms

• The small edible fruits are very popular with birds and other wildlife.
• Can be affected by phytoplasmas, leading to decline.
• Susceptible to foliar diseases, including those caused by Sirosporium celtidis.

Quirky Facts

• The tree is tolerable to poor nutrient conditions.
• The European Hackberry tree of Lugar Nuevo is considered a noble tree.

Additional Information

• The tree is grown as a shade or street tree.
• Hackberry is widely used for reforestation and as a shade tree in parks and roadside plantings in southern Europe.