Celtis australis

The European Hackberry, also known as the Mediterranean Hackberry, is a large deciduous tree native to the Mediterranean basin, where it can be found growing wild in the northern regions and natural forests of the Jerusalem mountains. The tree’s trunk is visually striking, characterized by a light gray color interspersed with dark gray horizontal stripes and occasional whitish spots. Its foliage is equally interesting, with hairy, jagged leaves that are asymmetrically shaped and dark green, with a grayish tint.

In autumn, the tree displays vibrant yellow foliage, particularly in cooler mountainous areas, before shedding its leaves. Although the tree blooms in spring, the flowers are horticulturally insignificant. The Mediterranean Hackberry produces purple-black berries on long stalks. These fruits are not juicy, minimizing mess, but their hard skins can pose a slipping hazard when they fall to the ground. Notably, the Mediterranean Hackberry bears the largest fruit of all Hackberry varieties, nearly twice the size of others. The tree’s broad, round canopy provides substantial shade.

The tree is highly drought-tolerant, requiring minimal watering once established, although a few summer waterings will enhance the vitality of its foliage. It adapts well to most soil types, excluding saline soils, and is not resistant to seawater spray. Its trunk is strong, making it resilient to urban pollution and various pests. With proper pruning from a young age to establish a balanced structure, the tree can have a long lifespan.

Mediterranean Hackberry is considered an excellent street tree, being the most upright of the Hackberry varieties. However, its dark gray bark is less suitable for the Negev region, where wind and dust can further dull its appearance. Historically, the Hackberry tree has been significant; its fruit is believed to be the “lotus” mentioned in Greek mythology. In ancient Mediterranean cultures, its fruit was used in folk medicine, and its durable wood was highly valued in carpentry. In Islam, the Hackberry is revered as a sacred tree and was commonly planted around cemeteries.

Additional Trees from the Same Family:
Celtis bungeana | Celtis australis | Celtis sinensis | Celtis africana | Celtis occidentalis | Zelkove serrata