Desert Hackberry (Celtis pallida)

Family: Ulmaceae | Edibility: Edible (2/5)

Celtis pallida is an evergreen Tree growing to 5.5 m (18ft 1in). It is in leaf all year, in flower in April, and the seeds ripen in October. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Bees. It is noted for attracting wildlife. Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils, prefers well-drained soil and can grow in nutritionally poor soil.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Fruit, Berries

Harvest Seasons: Early Summer, Fall, Late Summer, Winter

Flavor & Culinary Uses

pleasant acid taste. — A mealy pleasant acid taste.; The fruit is up to 8mm in diameter, though most of this is the large seed.; American Indians ground the fruit and ate it with parched corn or fat.; This means that they probably also ate the seed.

Habitat & North American Range

In deserts, canyons, mesas, washes, foothills, thickets, brushland, and grassland near gravelly or well-drained sandy soil at elevations of 1000 - 1300 metres. (Zone 4, Zone 5, Zone 6, Zone 7, Zone 8)