Celtis Australis | European hackberry - Girth 16cm - 470-480cm - 130lt

Celtis australis, commonly known as the European nettle tree, is a deciduous tree native to southern Europe, western Asia, and northern Africa. It belongs to the family Cannabaceae, and it is closely related to the hackberry tree.

The Celtis australis tree can grow up to 25 meters tall and has a dense, rounded crown with a spreading habit. The bark is smooth and gray-brown when young, becoming rough and fissured with age. The leaves are alternate, simple, and oval-shaped with serrated edges. They are dark green on the upper side and paler on the underside, turning yellow in autumn before falling.

The tree produces small, inconspicuous flowers in late spring or early summer, followed by small, round, edible fruit that resembles a cherry in size and shape. The fruit is initially green, turning yellow or brown when ripe, and is sweet and juicy, with a taste similar to a fig.

The Celtis australis tree is adaptable to a wide range of soils and can tolerate drought, air pollution, and salt spray. It is often used as an ornamental tree in gardens, parks, and urban landscapes due to its attractive foliage and distinctive bark. It also provides food and shelter for wildlife, including birds and small mammals. Additionally, the tree has cultural significance and has been used for centuries in traditional medicine for various ailments.