{"product_id":"amerikanischer-zuergelbaum-hackberry-celtis-occidentalis","title":"American Hackberry (Celtis occidentalis) - The legendary treat fruit of the indigenous people as a robust climate tree","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"markdown markdown-main-panel stronger enable-updated-hr-color\" id=\"model-response-message-contentr_bc4cd3fbf34b7890\" aria-live=\"polite\" aria-busy=\"false\" dir=\"ltr\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"2\"\u003ePlanting a tree for the garden today presents a real challenge: it should provide cool shade in summer, look beautiful, but please don't dry out in the first heatwave or freeze in the cold winter. If you're looking for an absolutely indestructible climate-resilient tree that also surprises with a fascinating appearance and edible fruits, you can't go past the American Hackberry, botanically Celtis occidentalis. It is the undisputed survivor among deciduous trees, a magnet for local birdlife, and a real insider's tip for edible fruit.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"3\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"3\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eScope of delivery:\u003c\/b\u003e Each plant in a 3-liter pot, delivery size: 40-60 cm.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"4\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"4\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eOrigin \u0026amp; North America's Secret Hero:\u003c\/b\u003e Originally from large parts of North America, the American Hackberry is an absolute landscape classic there. For Native Americans, it was far more than just a shade provider: the extremely nutrient-rich fruits were an essential part of their diet and were valued as a sweet energy source. With it, you bring a storm-tested, historical natural talent into your garden, which defies the most extreme weather conditions and is considered one of the most important and robust future trees for climate change in our latitudes.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-path-to-node=\"5\"\u003eSugarberry, Beaverwood, and Nettle Tree: Many Names for a Natural Talent\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"6\"\u003eLike many plants with such a long history, Celtis occidentalis has acquired various names over time. In German-speaking countries, it is often called Westlicher Zürgelbaum, which is simply the literal translation of its botanical name. Because its asymmetrical, toothed leaves strongly resemble nettles, it is also known as the American Nettle Tree. In its North American homeland, it is classically called Hackberry or Nettle Tree. Due to the sweet, date-like aroma of its small fruits, it also bears the wonderfully fitting vernacular name Sugarberry in English. Another historical local term is Beaverwood, as North American beavers greatly appreciate the wood and bark of this tree for their dams and as food.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-path-to-node=\"7\"\u003eMyths, Survival Food, and the Tree of Forgetting\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"8\"\u003eIn addition to its botanical robustness, the entire Hackberry plant family is surrounded by a fascinating, almost mystical aura. In ancient mythology, the Hackberry tree is often equated with the legendary Lotus tree from Homer's Odyssey. According to Greek legend, sailors who ate the seductively sweet fruits fell into a blissful state and immediately forgot the desire to ever return home. Even if the American Hackberry won't make you forget your home, it was of immense importance to Native Americans. Tribes like the Dakota, Pawnee, and Omaha revered the tree as a reliable lifesaver. They used the crushed, energy-rich berries not only as a sweet snack but also pounded them into their traditional pemmican, an extremely durable mixture of dried meat and fat, as essential survival food. Later European settlers also highly valued the tree's wood: it is extremely bendable when steamed and was traditionally used for barrels, wagon wheels, and furniture.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-path-to-node=\"9\"\u003eClimate Pioneer Instead of Watering Worrywart\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"10\"\u003eIn its first years, the young tree needs to establish itself properly and still requires regular watering during dry periods. However, once it has formed a deep root system, you can let it grow with significantly less care. Then the Hackberry is so tough it's almost uncanny. Whether it's weeks of drought, scorching heat, extreme winter frosts, salty roadsides, or nutrient-poor, rocky soils – the established tree doesn't even flinch. It provides for itself through its massive roots and becomes a true climate winner that will remain faithfully with you for decades without complaint.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-path-to-node=\"11\"\u003eCork-like Bark and Radiant Autumn Gold\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"12\"\u003eVisually, Celtis occidentalis has a lot to offer. Its absolute trademark is its bark: over the years, the trunk develops striking, deep cracks and warty, cork-like ridges that are a sensational eye-catcher in the winter garden. The fresh green foliage is asymmetrically shaped at the base, which is a typical hackberry characteristic, and turns into a vibrant, radiant golden yellow in autumn. Fully grown, it forms a broad, picturesque crown and becomes a majestic house tree, reaching about 10 to 15 meters in height.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-path-to-node=\"13\"\u003eSweet Secret: Date Aroma with a Crunchy Core\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"14\"\u003eIn late summer and autumn, the tree bears countless small, pea-sized berries, also called hackberries, which change color from orange-red to a deep dark violet to black. What few people know: these fruits are not only a feast for birds, but also edible and super delicious for us humans! The pulp is thin, but tastes intensely sweet - almost like a mixture of date, fig, and a touch of caramel. The kicker: the core inside is not rock-hard, but can be easily eaten with the fruit, providing a great, nutty crunch full of protein.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-path-to-node=\"15\"\u003eInto the Kitchen – What You Can Do with Your Harvest:\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul data-path-to-node=\"16\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"16,0,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"16,0,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eSnack directly from the tree:\u003c\/b\u003e Thanks to their pleasant sweetness and crunchy core, the small berries are a great snack while strolling through the autumn garden.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"16,1,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"16,1,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eWild trail mix:\u003c\/b\u003e Dried, the berries keep forever. Simply mix them with nuts, raisins, and sunflower seeds for your own wild and protein-rich trail mix.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"16,2,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"16,2,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eDate-Hackberry Puree:\u003c\/b\u003e The indigenous people crushed the whole berries, including the seeds, into a sweet paste. This can be excellently used as a natural sweetener in baked goods or porridge.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"16,3,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"16,3,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eHackberry Syrup:\u003c\/b\u003e Boil the berries, preferably lightly crushed, with some water and strain the liquid. What remains is a sweet, earthy fruit syrup that goes wonderfully with pancakes or waffles.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003chr data-path-to-node=\"17\"\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-path-to-node=\"18\"\u003eRecipe Tip: Wild Hackberry Crunch Bar\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"19\"\u003eSince hackberry fruits were traditionally used as high-energy trail food, we leverage this principle. These no-bake energy bars are packed with nutrients, nutty crunch, and natural sweetness – ideal for your next hike or as a quick snack at your desk.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"20\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"20\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eIngredients for approx. 8-10 bars:\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul data-path-to-node=\"21\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"21,0,0\"\u003e1 cup fresh or dried hackberry fruits, pre-washed\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"21,1,0\"\u003e1 cup soft, pitted dates\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"21,2,0\"\u003e1 cup almonds or cashews\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"21,3,0\"\u003e1\/2 cup rolled oats\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"21,4,0\"\u003e2 tbsp chia seeds or flax seeds\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"21,5,0\"\u003e1 tbsp maple syrup or agave nectar, optional for extra binding\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"21,6,0\"\u003e1 pinch coarse sea salt\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"21,7,0\"\u003eSome dark chocolate for decoration, as desired\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"22\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"22\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003ePreparation:\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003col start=\"1\" data-path-to-node=\"23\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"23,0,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"23,0,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eChop:\u003c\/b\u003e Roughly chop the almonds or cashews in a powerful blender or food processor and transfer to a bowl.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"23,1,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"23,1,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eThe wild berries:\u003c\/b\u003e Place the whole hackberry fruits in the blender. Blend until the berries and their crunchy seeds are finely ground. This creates a wonderfully nutty base.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"23,2,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"23,2,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eMix:\u003c\/b\u003e Add the dates, the crushed hackberry fruits, oats, chia seeds, salt, and maple syrup to the nuts in the blender.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"23,3,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"23,3,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003ePurée:\u003c\/b\u003e Pulse everything together on the highest setting until a sticky, cohesive dough-like mass forms.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"23,4,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"23,4,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eShape:\u003c\/b\u003e Line a small rectangular baking dish, such as a casserole dish, with parchment paper. Press the mixture into it very firmly and evenly with your hands or the back of a spoon.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"23,5,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"23,5,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eChill \u0026amp; Cut:\u003c\/b\u003e Refrigerate the dish for about 1 to 2 hours to allow the mixture to harden. Then lift it out of the dish and cut into bars with a sharp knife. If desired, you can drizzle some melted dark chocolate over them.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ol\u003e\n\u003chr data-path-to-node=\"24\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"25\"\u003eSay goodbye to thirsty, fragile trees that immediately surrender to today's extreme weather. With the American Hackberry, botanically Celtis occidentalis, you're choosing an impressive, storm-resistant climate winner that delights with sensational bark, radiant autumn foliage, and a sweet secret for snacking.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Pflanzenwelten Andre Heinek","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":55567161721217,"sku":null,"price":13.4,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0931\/6332\/3777\/files\/Image_2cwjzw2cwjzw2cwj.png?v=1777106984","url":"https:\/\/pflanzenwelten-heinek.de\/en\/products\/amerikanischer-zuergelbaum-hackberry-celtis-occidentalis","provider":"Pflanzenwelten Andre Heinek ","version":"1.0","type":"link"}