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spiny hackberry
Scientific Name: Celtis ehrenbergiana
Family: Ulmaceae
Category: Dicot
Growth: Shrub, Tree
Duration: Perennial
Other Names:
Spiny Hackberry (Celtis spp.)
The plants commonly known as Spiny Hackberry, Desert Hackberry, or Granjeno encompass a few different species within the genus Celtis. This article will discuss information applicable to multiple species, including Celtis ehrenbergiana and Celtis pallida.
Considerations for Pets
- Spiny Hackberry has thorns along its stems that are sharp.
Considerations for Children
- Spiny Hackberry has thorns along its stems that are sharp.
Common Names
- Spiny Hackberry
- Desert Hackberry
- Granjeno (Spanish)
- Shiny Hackberry
- Granjeo
- Huasteco
Taxonomy and Nomenclature
- Scientific Name: Species discussed here include Celtis ehrenbergiana (Klotzsch) Liebm. and Celtis pallida Torr.
- Family: Ulmaceae (Elm Family) or Cannabaceae.
- Synonyms:
- Celtis spinosa Spreng. var.
- Momisia pallida (Torr.) Planch. ex Small
- Celtis spinosa var. pallida
- Celtis tala var. pallida
Distribution and Habitat
- Spiny Hackberry is native to the Southern United States, Mexico, and the Greater Antilles.
- Celtis pallida is common in South Texas.
- They are found in a variety of soils and habitat types.
- Observed at Reach 11 in Phoenix, Arizona.
- Ft. Inge Historic Park, Leona River, Uvalde County, Texas.
- Common in Tucson.
Morphology and Growth Habits
- Spiny Hackberry is a cool-season perennial shrub.
- It typically grows to a height of 4 to 15 feet.
- It has sharp thorns along its stems.
- Can be an evergreen shrub or small tree.
- Has whitish gray zigzag branches.
- Leaves are simple and alternate.
- It can be a spiny, spreading evergreen shrub rarely over 3 meters tall.
Ecological Role
- Spiny Hackberry is considered an outstanding wildlife plant.
- The berries are eaten by wildlife.
- The plant reseeds aggressively.
Interactions with Other Organisms
- Hackberry is food for the Hackberry Butterfly (Asterocampa).
- Pine Warblers are found perched on Spiny Hackberry trees.
Additional Information
- Dave's Garden is referenced as a place to find tips and ideas for gardens, along with seeds and plants.
- Florida Natural Areas Inventory also provides information on Celtis pallida Torr.
- Discover Life has a page about the biology, natural history, ecology, identification and distribution of Celtis ehrenbergiana.
- University of California Museum of Paleontology has a detail page on Celtis pallida.
- TERMIUM is the Government of Canada's terminology and linguistic data bank.