Tree Description
The Celtis sinensis, or more commonly known as the Chinese Hackberry, can grow up to 65 feet in height. The fruit that is produced from the tree comes in spring and fall and attracts birds and squirrels. In order for this tree to achieve its potential height, the Hackberry must have enough room to stretch its limbs and roots. This is a deciduous tree, so during the winter it will lose all foliage. It is also an angiosperm meaning that it produces flowers during the spring.This tree was not not native to North America and originally came from Eastern Asia. The Chinese Hackberry has also been used for bonsai for many years. The Chinese and Japanese cultures have been practicing the art of bonsai for many years where a botanist takes a miniature tree that requires extensive attention and uses it as a decorative piece.
- Rounded, umbrella-like shape
- Water needs: moist to dry soil, and is drought tolerant.
- Soil type: clay, loam or sand
- Height: 15 - 65 feet
- Growth rate: 24 inches per season
- Longevity: greater than 150 years
- Leaves: alternating, green gold, red in fall.
- Flowers: flowers in spring, has separate male and female flowers on the same tree (monoecious).
- Fruit: orange or purple drupe, very small (under 0.25 inches), fruiting in summer or fall.
- Bark: mottled, light gray, smooth
Current⁄Recent Research
Current research on these types of trees include research on, "investigating biological control
for the aphid as a long term sustainable solution for managing populations. Collections of [parasites] have been made in China and
cooperators there are sending additional shipments to quarantine facilities in
Berkeley for further research in the US."
State University, Fresno and the University of California. (2013, January 11). CISR: Asain Wooly Hackberry Aphid. Asian Wooly Hackberry Aphid. Retrieved October 21, 2013, from http://cisr.ucr.edu/hackberry.html
State University, Fresno and the University of California. (2013, January 11). CISR: Asain Wooly Hackberry Aphid. Asian Wooly Hackberry Aphid. Retrieved October 21, 2013, from http://cisr.ucr.edu/hackberry.html
Creative Writing
The morning sun pierces through the window and strikes the small bonsai Huckberry tree. Although only standing a mere foot tall, it is still just as magnificent as its domestic garden grown family members. As the owner starts to prune the bonsai, he removes the cardboard-like bark from the base of the tree to reveal the white trunk that will soon return to the dark brown bark. The owner then takes his clippers and starts to prune away the dead flowers and branches. The flamingo pink flowers now glow brightly against the sun after the lifeless vegetation has been washed away from the pallet of the tree. Even though its growing potential has been taken away, its beauty will be shown through the amount of effort the owner has given it.
Citation
Bonsai Society. (2013, June 2). About Bonsai Pots and Potters . Phoenix Bonsai Society. Retrieved October 13, 2013, from http://www.phoenixbonsai.com/BigPicture/Pots.html
Gilman, E. F., & Watson, D. G. (n.d.). ENVIRONMENTAL HORTICULTURE PAGE. Celtis sinensis. Retrieved October 13, 2013, from http://hort.ufl.edu/
SelecTree. "Celtis sinensis Tree Record." 1995-2013. Oct 6, 2013.
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