Weeping Japanese Hackberry is a deciduous tree native to eastern China, Japan, and Korea that brings graceful, cascading form to temperate gardens. This cultivar, 'Green Cascade', matures to 15-20 feet tall and wide, displaying a distinctly weeping habit that sets it apart from the species form. Hardy in zones 7-9, it thrives in full sun to partial shade and tolerates a remarkable range of soil conditions, from wet to dry, making it an adaptable choice for challenging sites. Small, insignificant flowers in spring give way to showy fruit that birds eagerly consume, adding wildlife appeal throughout the growing season.
Partial Sun
Moderate
7-9
240in H x 240in W
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Moderate
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The weeping form of this hackberry creates an elegant, fountain-like silhouette that's rare among temperate shade trees. Its dark, glossy foliage remains attractive throughout the growing season, and the plant's exceptional tolerance for drought, wind, and urban pollution means it thrives where other ornamentals struggle. The abundant fruit attracts birds and provides visual interest well into late season, while requiring only moderate maintenance once established.
Weeping Japanese Hackberry is grown primarily for ornamental landscape purposes, particularly in naturalization plantings where its wildlife benefits shine. The showy fruit makes it valuable for attracting birds, and its tolerance for urban conditions, poor soils, wind, and pollution makes it an excellent choice for difficult sites where conventional shade trees falter. The weeping form also works well as a sculptural specimen tree in larger gardens.
No timeline data available yet for this variety.
Transplant in early spring or fall to allow root establishment before extreme temperatures. Space trees 15-20 feet apart to allow for mature canopy spread.
Seeds can be sown directly, though the tree primarily naturalizes by seed dispersal in favorable conditions.
Pruning is generally minimal due to the tree's naturally attractive weeping form. Remove any dead, diseased, or crossing branches to maintain structure and air circulation. Prune in late winter or early spring before new growth emerges. The tree may sucker, particularly if roots are damaged; remove sucker growth near the base to maintain the single-leader weeping form.
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“Celtis sinensis belongs to the hemp family and originates from the slopes of eastern China, Japan, and Korea, where it has long been valued for its resilience in challenging environments. The 'Green Cascade' cultivar represents a selection that emphasizes the tree's naturally weeping branching habit, bringing an ornamental dimension to a species traditionally grown for its toughness and utility. This cultivar preserves the species' remarkable adaptability while offering gardeners a more visually distinctive form.”