Family: Cannabaceae

Celtis sinensis, commonly known as Chinese hackberry, Chinese nettletree, or Japanese hackberry, is a medium-sized deciduous tree native to East Asia, including China, Korea, and Japan. It typically grows 30–50 feet tall and has a rounded crown with rough, gray-brown bark and simple, serrated green leaves. In spring, it produces small, inconspicuous flowers that give way to tiny, dark purple berries in late summer, which are attractive to birds. The tree is often planted for shade, ornamental purposes, or erosion control, and its berries can provide food for wildlife. Its adaptability to a variety of soils and urban environments makes it a popular choice in landscaping.

While Celtis sinensis can be appealing in gardens and streetscapes, it poses ecological risks in Hawaii and other non-native regions. The tree spreads readily through seeds, often dispersed by birds, and can establish in natural areas, potentially outcompeting native plants. Its dense growth can alter habitats and reduce biodiversity. Additionally, its fast growth and tolerance for disturbed soils make it capable of invading forests, streambanks, and other sensitive ecosystems. Because of these traits, it is considered a species of concern for natural resource managers and should not be planted.

High Risk Traits:

• Elevation range exceeds 1000 m, demonstrating environmental versatility
  
• Able to grow in regions with subtropical climates
  
• Naturalized in Australia, South Africa and parts of North America
  
• Disturbance-adapted environmental weed (excludes native vegetation)
  
• Other Celtis species have become invasive
  
• Pollen may be allergenic
  
• Shade-tolerant
  
• Tolerates many soil types
  
• Forms dense stands that exclude other vegetation
  
• Reproduces by seeds and vegetatively by suckers
  
• May hybridize with other Celtis species
  
• Some self-compatibility documented
  
• Seeds dispersed by birds, mammals, water and intentionally by people
  
• Some seeds may persist for up to 24 months
  
• Able to resprout after cutting

Low Risk Traits:

• Invasiveness may be limited to higher elevation regions in the tropics and subtropics
  
• Unarmed (no spines, thorns, or burrs)
  
• Palatable to browsing animals
  
• Ornamental
  
• Fruit edible to people
  
• Herbicides may provide effective control