Leaf
Tela Botanica · CC BY-SA 2.0
European nettle tree
Celtis australis L.
Also known as: Mediterranean hackberry, Southern nettle tree, Lote tree
Family: Cannabaceae
15 to 25 m tall
Dry, rocky slopes, very widely planted as a street tree in the south of France
Flowering: April – May
Full sun
Fairly hardy, to about -15°C, but prefers mild climates
❓ How do you recognise this plant?
European nettle tree tolerates drought and urban pollution remarkably well, which makes it one of the most commonly planted street trees in the towns and cities of southern France.
🍃 Leaves
Alternate, asymmetric at the base, toothed, long-tapering, rough to the touch
🌸 Flowers
Small, greenish, inconspicuous, appearing with the leaves
🍎 Fruits
Small globose drupe, green then brown-black when ripe, sweet
🪵 Bark
Grey, smooth, reminiscent of beech
🗺️ Distribution
Mediterranean region, very common in Provence, often planted in towns for its shade
🐝 Value for pollinators
Mainly wind-pollinated, fruits enjoyed by birds
✂️ Horticultural uses
Street and shade tree very widely planted in the towns and cities of southern France
⚠️ Possible toxicity
No known toxicity; fruits edible
🌿 Other Cannabaceae to discover
ℹ️ Educational profile — do not use it to judge whether a plant is edible or safe.
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