Celtis laevigata var. reticulata is a tree that's also known as Netleaf Hackberry, Netleaf Sugar Hackberry, Sugar Hackberry, Texas Sugarberry, Palo Blanco, and Acibuche. This medium-sized tree is native to North America, specifically found in the Western United States and Northern Mexico. Its fruits were traditionally eaten by Native American tribes such as the Apache, Chiricahua, and Mescalero. Additionally, the leaves of this tree provide a source of food for various insects, particularly moth caterpillars.
Cultivated by plant nurseries, Celtis laevigata var. reticulata is commonly used as an ornamental plant. It thrives in native plant, drought-tolerant, natural landscape, and habitat gardens. Moreover, it is utilized in ecological restoration projects.
This tree typically grows to a height of 20-30 feet, but can sometimes reach heights of up to 70 feet. It has a scraggly or bush-like appearance and can be found at elevations ranging from 1,600 to 5,500 ft. The bark is grey to brownish grey, forming vertical corky ridges on the trunk. The leaves are lanceolate to ovate, leathery, and clearly net-veined. They measure half an inch to three inches in length and are often serrated. The flowers are very small and form singly or in clusters. The fruit is about 5-12 mm in diameter, brownish to purple, with a thin pulp.
Note that Celtis reticulata is sometimes confused with similar species including Celtis pallida, Celtis occidentalis, and Celtis laevigata.
Overall, Celtis laevigata var. reticulata is an attractive tree that not only adds beauty to landscapes but also supports various wildlife by providing nourishment and habitat.
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