Arkansas Tree Database

Scientific name:

Celtis Occidentalis

Size:

40'-60' tall by 50' wide, up to 90' tall

Leaves:

alternate, simple, with unsymmetrical base (one side rounded and the other wedge-shaped), coarsely toothed; bright green, usually rough surface above and paler and hairy beneath

Flowers:

inconspicuous

Fruit:

1/3" diameter berry-like fruit (called a drupe), dark purple, hard, edible, sweet, relished by birds and wildlife

Fall Interest:

yellow; deciduous

Culture:

sun to partial sun; adaptable; confined to northern part of Arkansas

Disease/Insect:

Use:

shade tree; useful to wildlife; crating, furniture

Cultivars:

Notes:

bark light silvery gray with warty projections; common name comes from the Scottish "hagberry," or bird cherry (Prunus avium); Native Americans pounded the fruits and used them to sweeten foods such as meats and corn cakes; native to Arkansas