Celtis occidentalis

Celtis occidentalis

Celtis occidentalis, commonly known as the American hackberry or sugarberry, is a tree native to North America. While traditionally used in various aspects of Native American and early colonial medicine, specific traditional uses are not extensively recorded. Scientific evidence indicates that urban street trees like Celtis occidentalis emit methane and nitrous oxide from their foliage, but soil biochar treatments can reduce these emissions. The tree shows moderate resilience to urban environmental stress, distinguishing it somewhat from more sensitive species such as Tilia (linden) and robust ones like Platanus (sycamore). Studies evaluating the suitability of eight spherical tree species in urban Budapest environments found Celtis occidentalis 'Globosa' to be among those considered. Safety-wise, no major issues have been recorded for this plant, and there are currently no known drug interactions associated with it.

At a glance
Best evidence
D
Cautions

Informational only. Traditional use does not mean proven effectiveness. Evidence and safety vary — check the cited sources.

What the science says

  • Celtis occidentalis showed moderate resilience to urban environmental stress, indicating it could be a suitable choice for urban planting. D PMID
  • Urban street trees emit methane and nitrous oxide from foliage, with soil biochar treatments reducing these emissions. D PMID
  • Celtis occidentalis trees in different urban sites showed variations in vessel traits, favoring either efficient water transport or hydraulic safety depending on environmental conditions. D PMID
  • The study evaluates eight spherical tree species, including Celtis occidentalis 'Globosa', for their suitability in urban Budapest environments. D PMID

Frequently asked questions

What is Celtis occidentalis?

Celtis occidentalis (Celtis occidentalis) is a plant documented in FolkKB's traditional-medicine reference, drawn from sourced literature and cross-checked against the evidence.

What does the scientific evidence say about Celtis occidentalis?

4 sourced findings are recorded for Celtis occidentalis; the strongest carries evidence grade D. For example: Celtis occidentalis showed moderate resilience to urban environmental stress, indicating it could be a suitable choice for urban planting.

How strong is the evidence for Celtis occidentalis?

The strongest finding for Celtis occidentalis carries evidence grade D — preliminary or traditional. Grades run A (strongest) to D (preliminary or traditional).

Is Celtis occidentalis safe? What are the side effects?

No major safety issues are recorded for Celtis occidentalis in our sources, but the data may be incomplete. Consult a qualified professional before use.

Does Celtis occidentalis interact with medications?

No drug interactions are recorded for Celtis occidentalis in our sources. This does not rule them out — check with a pharmacist.

What are the common names of Celtis occidentalis?

Celtis occidentalis is also known as: Каркас западный, Micocoulier occidental.

Is Celtis occidentalis a proven treatment?

No. FolkKB is informational only. Traditional use and early findings are not proof of efficacy or safety — consult a qualified professional and never self-treat.

Sources

  1. T2 Evaluating Spherical Trees in the Urban Environment in Budapest (Hungary). literature abstract metadata
  2. T2 Vessel anatomy of urban Celtis occidentalis trees varies to favour safety or efficiency depending on site conditions. literature abstract metadata
  3. T2 Physiological and Biochemical Indicators of Urban Environmental Stress in Tilia, Celtis, and Platanus: A Functional Trait-Based Approach. literature abstract metadata
  4. T2 Urban Tree Channeling of Soil Methane and Nitrous Oxide and Its Mitigation Using Biochar. literature abstract metadata