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Hackberry - Celtis occidentalis
Hackberry - Celtis occidentalis
Picture of Hackberry
Picture of Hackberry

Hackberry

Celtis occidentalis
Zones: 3 - 9

Zone Map



The Hackberry Grows in zones 3 - 9
  • Features leaves shaped like spearheads, approximately 2–4" and 1½–2" wide, arranged alternately along the twigs; small teeth edge at least the upper half of the leaf
  • Produces small, dark red drupes about 1/3" in diameter that turn dark purple as they mature in mid-autumn, persisting into the winter
  • Develops a broad crown with arching branches
  • Forms characteristic corky ridges and warts on trunk and branches
  • Tolerates strong winds, pollution, heat, drought and salt
  • Grows in a rounded, vase-like shape
  • Has a growth pattern that resembles the elm — without the susceptibility to disease
Pricing Information

Tree Details

Shape

Rounded

Growth Speed

Medium to Fast

Scientific Name

Celtis occidentalis

Mature Height

40' - 60'

Mature Spread

40' - 60'

Highlights

The hackberry, while often forgotten by casual consumers, is commonly heralded by tree experts as “one tough tree.” Found on a wide range of soils east of the Rockies from southern Canada to Florida, these trees thrive in a broad span of temperatures and on sites that vary from 14 to 60" of annual rainfall. They can even stand up to strong winds and tolerate air pollution.

All of this hardiness adds up to a good landscape choice, particularly if you’re looking for an energy-conserving shade tree that doesn’t require watering.

Sun Preference

Full Sun

Soil Preference

Acidic, Alkaline, Clay, Drought, Loamy, Moist, Rich, Sandy, Well Drained, Wet

Wildlife Value

The fruit of the hackberry is popular with winter birds, especially the cedar waxwing, mockingbird and robin. The tree also attracts many butterfly species including American snout, hackberry, mourning cloak, and tawny emperor.

History/Lore

In earlier years, its tough, flexible wood was used for barrel hoops, and many a pioneer cabin was equipped with durable hackberry wood flooring. The tree was first cultivated in 1636.

Other common names given to the hackberry include common hackberry, sugarberry, nettletree, beaverwood, northern hackberry and American hackberry.

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