Celtis jessoensis Plant Care

Celtis jessoensis Koidz.

Updated · Sources · How we source care data

Celtis jessoensis, known as the Japanese hackberry or Jesso hackberry, is a species of hackberry native to Japan and Korea. It is a deciduous tree growing to 20–25 m (66–82 ft) tall.

Water

Every 7–14 days

Light

Full sun to partial shade

Temp

50–90°F

Humidity

40–70%

At a glance

How do you care for Celtis jessoensis?

Plant Celtis jessoensis in full sun to partial shade (USDA zones 12a) and water a young tree every 7–14 days until it is established. It tolerates temperatures of 50–90°F (10–32°C). Fertilize it every 8 months during the growing season.

Where Is the Celtis jessoensis Native To?

Native range2 countries

What Is the Celtis jessoensis?

Celtis jessoensis (Celtis jessoensis) belongs to the Cannabaceae family within the Celtis genus. Celtis jessoensis is native to Japan and Korea.

Celtis jessoensis displays a medium to large deciduous tree growth habit, reaching up to 50 ft tall with a spread of approximately 30 ft. Celtis jessoensis produces inconspicuous small greenish flowers.

Leaf size: approximately 6 inches.

How Often Should You Water a Celtis jessoensis?

Water a young or newly planted Celtis jessoensis every 7–14 days, soaking the whole root zone, until it is established — usually one to two growing seasons. Established trees mainly need water during long dry spells. In a container, water whenever the top few centimetres of soil are dry.

Watering Frequency

Every 7–14 days

Until established; then in dry spells

What Light Does the Celtis jessoensis Need?

Celtis jessoensis thrives in full sun to partial shade.

Light Requirement

Full sun to partial shade

What Temperature and Humidity Does the Celtis jessoensis Prefer?

Celtis jessoensis tolerates temperatures of 50–90°F. Celtis jessoensis prefers humidity levels of 40–70%.

Temperature

50–90°F

Humidity

40–70%

What Soil Mix Works Best for a Celtis jessoensis?

Well-draining loamy soil with added compost for nutrients. Good drainage is essential for Celtis jessoensis to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

How Often Should You Fertilize a Celtis jessoensis?

Feed Celtis jessoensis every 8 months during the growing season with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the rate on the label. Established trees in good soil often need little extra feeding, so let weak growth or pale foliage guide you.

Stop feeding by late summer so new growth can harden before winter.

Fertilizing

Every 8 months

During the growing season

The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.

Where Should You Plant a Celtis jessoensis?

Choose a spot with full sun to partial shade and well-draining loamy soil with added compost for nutrients. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Celtis jessoensis is suited to USDA Zone 12a.

Plant container-grown or balled-and-burlapped trees in spring or early autumn, setting the root flare at soil level, and water well after planting.

How Far Apart Should You Plant a Celtis jessoensis?

Celtis jessoensis can spread to about 30 ft (9.1 m) and reach about 50 ft (15 m) tall. Space plants about 30 ft (9.1 m) apart so mature crowns don't crowd each other, and plant at least half that distance from buildings, fences and paths.

Planning a row or hedge? Try the tree spacing calculator.

How Do You Prune a Celtis jessoensis?

Prune Celtis jessoensis while it is dormant in late winter: first remove dead, damaged and crossing branches, then thin lightly for shape.

If it flowers in spring, prune right after flowering instead so you don't remove next year's buds. Never take off more than about a quarter of the tree in one year.

How Do You Care for a Celtis jessoensis in Winter?

Celtis jessoensis is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 12). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

How Do You Propagate a Celtis jessoensis?

Celtis jessoensis can be propagated through seeds, hardwood cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to african sugarberry plant care, which shares the same genus.

Is the Celtis jessoensis Toxic to Pets and Children?

Pet safety not verified

The ASPCA does not list Celtis jessoensis, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Keep pets from chewing it as a precaution.

This is a general caution, not veterinary or medical advice. If your pet ate a plant, contact your vet or animal poison control.

See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.

What Pests and Diseases Affect the Celtis jessoensis?

Celtis jessoensis is susceptible to aphids, scale insects, caterpillars. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.

Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.

What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Celtis jessoensis Need?

Celtis jessoensis grows outdoors in USDA Zone 12a. It survives winters down to planting zone 12a. Celtis jessoensis is native to Japan and Korea. In cooler regions, grow Celtis jessoensis as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.

Hardiness Zone

Zone 12a

Keep exploring plants

Celtis jessoensis is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.

It belongs to the Celtis genus — compare its care with other Celtis species on PlantoScan.

Celtis is part of the Cannabaceae plant family — browse all Cannabaceae genera and species.

Celtis jessoensis thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.

More Celtis Species

Other Celtis species in PlantoScan's care catalogue share similar watering, light, and soil preferences:

Sources

  • Scientific name & taxonomy: Celtis jessoensis Koidz., family Cannabaceae (first published in Bot. Mag. (Tokyo) 27: 183 (1913)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
  • Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Celtis jessoensis, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Checked against the ASPCA plant list; any other toxicity note on this page comes from PlantoScan's plant database.
  • Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 12a, calculated from the plant's minimum temperature.
  • Care values(watering, light, temperature, humidity, soil, fertilizing): PlantoScan's plant database, filtered by automatic plausibility checks — values that fail them are hidden. How we source and check plant data.

Spotted a mistake? Email info@upvision.media with the page link — we check and correct reported errors.

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