Celtis australis - Evergreen Trees Direct

Celtis australis

$250.00

Tax included. Shipping calculated at checkout.

Size: 40cm/45L

40cm/45L 100L

Current Stock Height Guides

40cm/45L: 1.5m – 2m Approx.
100L: 2.2m – 2.8m Approx.

Height guide disclaimer: Height ranges are approximate only. As living products, plant heights naturally vary between individual plants, batches, and seasons. No guarantee is given that supplied plants will fall within the stated range. If minimum heights are required, you mustconfirm current batch heights with Evergreen Trees Direct prior to purchase. Variation in height is normal and is not grounds for return, refund, replacement, or compensation.

Mature Height & Width

Mature Height: 15m to 25m (approx.)

Mature Width: 10m to 12m

Celtis australis is expected to grow 50cm to 80cm per year (approx.).

Root Ball Dimensions

Use this as a reference when digging your planting hole. We recommend digging at least 10% wider than the dimensions below to encourage strong root development.

30cm Pot: 33cm (W) × 30cm (D)
40cm/45L Pot: 44cm (W) × 41.5cm (D)
50cm Pot / 70L Pot: 55cm (W) × 41.8cm (D)
100L Bag: 50.6cm (W) × 52.8cm (D)
150L Bag: 66cm (W) × 55cm (D)
200L Bag: 71.5cm (W) × 60.5cm (D)
300L Bag: 88cm (W) × 63.8cm (D)
400L Bag: 99cm (W) × 66cm (D)
500L Bag: 122cm (W) × 66cm (D)
750L Bag: 134cm (W) × 69cm (D)
1000L Bag: 146.3cm (W) × 71.5cm (D)
2000L Bag: 176cm (W) × 82.5cm (D)

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Shipping is calculated at checkout based on the pallet space your order occupies in the truck and your delivery location.

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Contact

Have a question or a list to send through to us?

Email: sales@evergreentrees.com.au

Phone: (03) 7042 3318

About Your New Celtis australis

Celtis australis, the European Nettle Tree or Mediterranean Hackberry, is a deciduous shade tree with smooth grey bark, a straight trunk and a broad rounded canopy. The leaves are dark green, rough to the touch and finely toothed, turning clear yellow in autumn before dropping. Small dark fruit follow inconspicuous spring flowers.

It tolerates full sun to partial shade, poor and compacted soils, alkaline ground, urban pollution and heat, and it survives heavy and frequent frost without damage. Growth is about 50 to 80 centimetres a year. Once established it is markedly drought tolerant, which suits Mediterranean, temperate and dry inland districts across southern Australia.

It is planted as a street tree, in avenues, in car parks, on rural driveways and in civic landscapes where a durable deciduous canopy is needed. The high branching habit clears vehicles and pedestrians. Where conditions defeat softer species, this one keeps growing, which is why councils specify it so often.

Frequently Asked Questions

About European Nettle Tree

How big does Celtis australis grow?

Expect roughly 12 to 18 metres tall and 10 to 15 metres wide at maturity in good conditions, forming a broad, rounded canopy on a straight trunk. It grows about 50 to 80 centimetres a year, reaching useful street tree size within a decade. On dry, poor or shallow sites it stays smaller.

Is it evergreen or deciduous?

Deciduous. The dark green leaves turn a clear yellow in autumn and drop for winter, letting light through when it is wanted and shading heavily in summer. Leaf out is in mid spring. Autumn colour is dependable in cool districts and softer in mild coastal gardens, where leaves often fall while still green.

Is it drought tolerant?

Very. It is native to southern Europe, North Africa and western Asia, all summer dry regions, and it holds foliage through heat and dry that defoliates other deciduous trees. Water through the first two or three summers to establish a root system, after which it copes on rainfall in most temperate parts of Australia.

Is it a good street tree?

It is one of the more reliable deciduous street trees for hot Australian conditions. It handles compacted soil, reflected heat, pollution and restricted root space, branches high enough to clear traffic, and holds a clean, even canopy. Fruit drop is light and the timber is strong, so limb failure is uncommon.

Does it have invasive roots?

Roots are well behaved compared with poplars, willows or figs, but this is still a large tree and roots follow moisture. Allow at least 5 to 6 metres from footings, drains and paving, and more on reactive clay. A generous planting pit and deep, infrequent early watering encourage roots to go downward.

Where does it grow best in Australia?

It performs best in temperate and Mediterranean districts, so Adelaide, Melbourne, Perth, Canberra, inland New South Wales and the Victorian and South Australian regions all suit it. It is equally at home in cold inland towns and in hot dry country. Humid tropical regions are the one climate where it is rarely used.

How do I care for a European Nettle Tree?

Water deeply through the first few summers, mulch the root zone and keep turf away from the base while the tree establishes. Formative pruning in the early years sets a single clear leader and good branch spacing. After that it needs very little, beyond removing dead or crossing wood in winter.

Enriched Planting Mix (AO Certified)

$21.95

Enriched Planting Mix is a certified organic blend of Pure Magic Compost, composted animal manure, gypsum, composted coarse bark and a wetting agent, bagged in 30L. It is built to be dug through existing garden soil at planting time rather than used on its own, and the gypsum is what sets it apart from a plain compost.

Gypsum helps break up heavy clay so water and roots can move through it, while the compost and manure return organic matter and nutrient to tired ground. The coarse bark holds structure and keeps air around the root zone, and the wetting agent keeps moisture in the soil longer after rain or watering.

Use it when planting trees, shrubs, roses, fruit trees and exotic garden plants, particularly into clay. Dig a hole twice the width of the pot and 7 centimetres deeper, then mix roughly one third planting mix through the excavated soil. Spread 7 centimetres of that improved soil in the base before setting the plant in.

Frequently Asked Questions

About Enriched Planting Mix

What is Enriched Planting Mix made from?

It is a blend of Pure Magic Compost, composted animal manure, gypsum, composted coarse bark and a wetting agent. Each part has a job. The compost and manure supply organic matter and nutrient, the gypsum works on clay structure, the bark keeps air around the roots and the wetting agent holds moisture in the soil.

What plants is it suitable for?

It suits exotic garden plants, including roses, ornamental and deciduous trees, fruit trees, shrubs and perennials, and it earns its keep most on heavy clay sites. It is a planting mix rather than a potting mix, so its job is improving soil at planting time. Phosphorus sensitive natives are the one clear exception.

Is it safe for natives?

No, not for the phosphorus sensitive ones. The composted animal manure in this blend lifts phosphorus well above what Proteaceae such as Banksia, Grevillea, Hakea and Protea will tolerate, and the result can be leaf burn, dieback and plant death. Use the Native Potting Mix for those species, or plant them into unimproved local soil.

Is it certified organic?

Yes. It is a certified organic product with no chemical additives, which is why the manure and compost in it are fully composted rather than raw. That makes it sound around fruit trees and vegetable beds, and it means you are adding genuine organic matter to your soil rather than a synthetic conditioner.

How much do I need?

Work on roughly one third planting mix to two thirds of the soil you dug out of the hole. For a shrub out of a 200 millimetre pot that is only a few litres. An advanced tree going into a large hole will take considerably more. Judge the quantity by the volume of the hole rather than the size of the plant.

Can I use it in pots?

It is not a potting mix and should not be used on its own in a container. The blend is designed to be diluted through garden soil, and used straight in a pot it holds too much water and settles badly. For containers, reach for a premium potting mix, or the native mix if you are potting natives.

Does it need to be watered in?

Yes. Water the plant well several hours before you plant it, then water thoroughly again once the hole is backfilled and the soil firmed down. That first deep watering settles the improved soil around the root ball and drives out air pockets. Keep the water up over the first few months while the roots establish.

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Enriched Planting Mix (AO Certified)

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Uses in my Garden

Street Tree
Shade Tree
Avenue Planting
Rural Property Planting
Council or Civic Landscapes

Celtis australis works in an:

Formal Garden – structured, symmetrical design with clipped shapes.
Woodland Garden – layered, naturalistic design under dappled light.
Low-maintenance Garden – resilient choices for easy care and year-round appeal.

Is Celtis australis Evergreen or Deciduous?

Celtis australis is an Deciduous (Defoliates throughout colder months) Tree

Mature Height & Width

Mature Height: 15m to 25m (approx.)

Mature Width: 10m to 12m

Celtis australis is expected to grow 50cm to 80cm per year (approx.).

Growth Rate of Celtis australis

Celtis australis is expected to grow 50cm to 80cm per year (approx.).

They are considered to have a:

Fast Growth Rate

Frost Tolerance & Ideal Climate to plant Celtis australis

Is Celtis australis frost tolerant?

Celtis australis is Frost Hardy – Survives heavy and frequent frost without damage.

Does Celtis australis Flower?

Celtis australis produces small greenish flowers in spring that are subtle and largely inconspicuous. While not ornamental, these blooms support early-season pollinators before developing into small, berry-like drupes.

Does Celtis australis flower?

Yes - Flowers

Flowering Period:

Spring

Flower Type:

Not Applicable

Flower Colour:

Not Applicable

Is Celtis australis an Australian Native Tree?

No

Celtis australis is Native to Native to southern Europe and western Asia, where it grows in dry, rocky soils and open woodlands.

What is the Wildlife Value of Celtis australis ?

Its small summer fruits attract fruit-eating birds, while the dense canopy offers valuable shade and nesting habitat. The foliage also supports a range of caterpillars and beneficial insects, boosting biodiversity in both suburban and rural garden settings.

How much Sunlight does Celtis australis need?

Celtis australis will thrive best in:

Full Sun

Preferred Soil?

Celtis australis performs best in well-drained loam or sandy loam soils and tolerates slightly acidic to slightly alkaline conditions. It can manage poorer soils but may struggle in heavy clay or waterlogged areas unless improved with organic matter to enhance drainage. Keep soil evenly moist during establishment, then transition to deep, occasional watering as the tree matures and develops its characteristic high drought resilience.

Is Celtis australis Drought Tolerant?

Is Celtis australis Drought tolerant?

As a young tree it requires regular watering, but once established Celtis australis develops excellent drought tolerance. It thrives in hot, dry and urban environments, maintaining its broad, arching canopy with minimal supplementary watering.

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How To Plant Your Celtis australis

Site: Choose a well-drained position in full sun to part shade with room for the canopy to develop.

Soil preparation: Enrich the planting area with quality compost and aged manure for a strong establishment phase.

Hole: Dig twice as wide as the root ball and the same depth.

Planting: Position level with the surrounding soil, backfill gently, firm in, then water deeply to settle the roots.

Recommended Planting Spacing For Your Celtis australis

Feature tree: 3 to 4 metres apart to allow the full canopy and form to develop.

Avenue planting: 3 metres apart for a uniform soft-textured avenue.

Celtis australis is expected to grow 50cm to 80cm per year (approx.).

Fast Growth Rate

Long Term Care For Your Celtis australis

Watering: Water deeply twice weekly through the first 12 months. Once established, this is drought tolerant and only needs a deep soak during extended dry periods.

Mulching: Apply a 5 to 7 centimetre layer of organic mulch over the root zone, keeping it 5 centimetres clear of the trunk.

Pruning: Minimal pruning required. Light tip prune in late winter to maintain shape, and remove lower branches as the tree grows to develop a clean feature trunk.

Fertilising: Apply a slow-release general-purpose fertiliser in early spring and again in autumn for steady growth and consistent foliage colour.

Pest and disease: Hardy against most pests and diseases. Occasional inspection in warm humid conditions is all that's needed.

Planting Your Celtis australis in Different Soil

Celtis australis performs best in free-draining loam or sandy loam with a neutral to slightly alkaline pH. Adaptable to a wide range of soils when drainage is sharp.

Sandy soil: Free-draining and ideal. Mulch lightly to moderate surface temperature.

Clay soil: Improve drainage with gypsum and coarse organic compost before planting.

Loam: The preferred soil for steady root development and consistent growth.

pH: Neutral to slightly alkaline preferred. Avoid waterlogging at all times.

Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can Celtis australis tolerate urban conditions? Absolutely, it's well-suited for urban landscapes due to its pollution tolerance.
Is it wildlife-friendly? Yes, birds are particularly attracted to its fruit.