Netleaf Hackberry (Celtis laevigata var. reticulata) · Species Notes

Restoration Role

Upland wildlife tree. Netleaf hackberry is the dry-country member of the pair — tough on shallow limestone where sugarberry will not hold — carrying the same high wildlife value: berries for birds, foliage for insects, quick habitat structure. Named for the prominent net-like venation on the leaf.

Site Suitability

PrimaryUpland limestone, Eastern Shelterbelt high ground, Western Headwaters Savanna

SecondaryDry drainage edges and working-land margins

AvoidPermanently wet bottomland — that is sugarberry country

SoilsSeC, SuB; dry, rocky limestone

HydrologyDry, well-drained; the upland member of the pair

Propagation & Care

Seed collectionCollect ripe dark berries fall through winter when mature.

StratificationRecommended: 60–90 days cold stratification after cleaning pulp.

PropagationClean fruit pulp thoroughly. Sow 1/4–1/2 inch deep. Same easy propagation as sugarberry.

Container progressionSeed → Bootstrap Cell → D40 Deepot → Field planting.

Nursery wateringLow to moderate. Very drought-hardy once rooted.

LightFull sun.

OutplantingBest age 6–12 months. Plant November–February.

Establishment Watering

Year 1: 5 gallons every 2–3 weeks during drought.
Year 2: drought only.

Field notesThe split-out upland variety. USDA PLANTS treats it as Celtis laevigata var. reticulata (CELAR). Where the old combined card claimed “all mapped soils / highly adaptable” — true of neither member — this one keys to dry upland limestone. Photographed in the Trans-Pecos, showing the reticulate leaf venation.