Common Name:

General Information

Celtis sinensis is a deciduous tree with a dense, bushy crown; it can grow up to 20 metres tall, though occasionally it is much smaller and shrub-like. The bole can be up to 40cm in diameter[, , ].
The plant is harvested from the wild for local use as a food, medicine and source of materials.
This species has been declared a noxious weed in New South Wales, Australia and should not be planted there. It also has the potential to become invasive in the southern parts of the United States[].
Celtis sinensis has a very wide distribution, large population, is not currently experiencing any major threats and no significant future threats have been identified.The plant is classified as 'Least Concern' in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species(2019)[].

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

, ,

Range

E. Asia - eastern and southern China, Japan, Korea.

Habitat

Lowland and hills all over Japan[]. Roadsides and slopes; at elevations from 100 - 1,500 metres[].

Properties

Weed Potential	Yes
Conservation Status	Least Concern
Edibility Rating
Medicinal Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Deciduous Tree
Height	12.00 m
Growth Rate	Medium
Pollinators	Bees
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

Celtis sinensis can be very cold-hardy when growing in hot summer areas, able to tolerate temperatures falling to at least -15°c[]. However, Celtis species generally prefer hotter summers and more sunlight than are normally experienced in maritime regions of the temperate zone. In areas with cooler summers the plants often do not fully ripen their wood and are then very subject to die-back in the winter[, , ].
Succeeds in any reasonably good soil, preferring a good fertile well-drained loamy soil[, , ]. Succeeds on dry gravels and on sandy soils[]. Established plants are very drought resistant[].
The plant is grown as an ornamental - it is especially valued in China for its shade-giving, longevity and tolerance of poor conditions[].
Trees can be very long-lived, perhaps to 1,000 years[].
This species is closely allied to Celtis bungeana[].
Plants in this genus are notably resistant to honey fungus[].

Edible Uses

Fruit - raw[, , , 177. 179. 183]. The more or less globose fruit is 5 - 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[].

Leaves - cooked[, , , ].

The leaves are used as a tea substitute[, ].

Medicinal

The root bark is used in the treatment of dyspepsia, poor appetite, shortness of breath and swollen feet[].

Other Uses

We have no specific information for this species, but most species in this genus yield a fine timber; their fibre-rich bark is utilized for the manufacture of ropes and paper; and an oil obtained from the seed is used for making soaps and lubricants[].

Propagation

Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in a cold frame[]. Stored seed is best given 2 - 3 months cold stratification and then sown late winter/early spring in a greenhouse[, ]. Germination rates are usually good, though the stored seed might take 12 months or more to germinate. The seed can be stored for up to 5 years[]. As soon as they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots. The leaves of seedlings often have a lot of white patches without chlorophyll, this is normal and older plants produce normal green leaves. Grow the seedlings on in a cold frame for their first winter, and plant them out in the following late spring or early summer[]. Give them some protection from the cold for their first winter outdoors.
Cuttings