Oriental hackberry (Celtis tournefortii)

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

Celtis tournefortii is a deciduous Tree growing to 8 m (26ft 3in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 7. 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

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

Flavor & Culinary Uses

sweet, though dry and mealy flesh around a large seed. — 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.

Habitat & North American Range

Open rocky places, 300 - 1500 metres in Turkey. Bushy places in Greece and the Balkans. (Zone 6, Zone 7, Zone 8, Zone 9)