Chinese hackberry (Celtis sinensis)

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

Celtis sinensis is a deciduous Tree growing to 10 m (32ft) by 10 m (32ft) at a medium rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 9. It is 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. 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, Leaves

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

Flavor & Culinary Uses

sweet, though dry and mealy flesh around a large seed. — Fruit - raw[1, 2, 105, 177.; The fruit is up to 8mm in diameter.; We have no further information, but the fruit is liable to consist of a thin, sweet, though dry and mealy flesh around a large seed.; The leaves are used as a tea substitute.

Habitat & North American Range

Lowland and hills all over Japan. Roadsides and slopes at elevations of 100 - 1500 metres in China. (Zone 8)