European nettle tree Celtis australis
European nettle tree (Celtis australis) is a deciduous perennial tree in the Cannabaceae family, native to Mediterranean Basin and South-west Asia. It grows 15–25 m (49–82 ft) tall and 10–18 m (33–59 ft) wide, wants full sun and low water, and is hardy to about -20 °C (-4 °F). Space plants about 12 m (39 ft) apart.
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European nettle tree at a glance
| Type | Perennial tree, deciduous |
|---|---|
| Family | Cannabaceae |
| Mature height | 15–25 m (49–82 ft) |
| Mature spread | 10–18 m (33–59 ft) |
| Spacing | 12 m (39 ft) centre to centre |
| Sun | Full sun, at least 6 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Low; drought tolerance high, waterlogging tolerance none |
| Soil pH | 6–8.5 |
| Cold hardiness | About -20 °C (-4 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 6) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 42 °C (108 °F) |
| Flowering | from about April for 2–4 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones) |
| Wind tolerance | Moderate |
| Pollinator value | Low |
| Edible | Yes: small sweet berries |
| Native to | Mediterranean Basin and South-west Asia |
| Common in gardens of | 🇮🇹 Italy, 🇪🇸 Spain, 🇬🇷 Greece, 🇹🇷 Turkey, 🇫🇷 France |
Is European nettle tree toxic?
- People: not known to be toxic
- Cats: not known to be toxic
- Dogs: not known to be toxic
No toxicity reported in ASPCA or standard poison references.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with European nettle tree
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like full sun and low water.
Questions about European nettle tree
- How far apart should I plant European nettle tree?
- About 12 m (39 ft) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 10–18 m (33–59 ft).
- Does European nettle tree need full sun?
- Full sun: at least 6 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does European nettle tree need?
- Low water. Drought tolerance is high and waterlogging tolerance none.
- How cold-hardy is European nettle tree?
- It tolerates about -20 °C (-4 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 6.
- When does European nettle tree flower?
- From about April for 2–4 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones).
- Is European nettle tree poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is not known to be toxic; for dogs not known to be toxic; for people not known to be toxic. No toxicity reported in ASPCA or standard poison references.
- What grows well with European nettle tree?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for European nettle tree. Group it with plants that like the same sun (full sun) and water (low).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade B (B: extension service or peer-reviewed).
- Euro+Med PlantBase, Botanic Garden and Botanical Museum Berlin
- RHS Plant Finder, Royal Horticultural Society
Notes and assumptions
- A tough, long-lived shade tree for squares and streets in southern Europe.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
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