Hackberry

Scientific name

Celtis occidentalis

Description

Common Hackberry is a deciduous shrub or small tree that typically grows 1-5 m, but can grow as tall as 15 m. Common Hackberry may also be referred to as Northern Hackberry, Western Hackberry, Nettle-Tree, or Sugarberry. The bark is brown, with corky ridges and wart-like bumps. The leaves are alternately arranged, 6-9 cm long, deep bluish-green, and have sharply-toothed margins. The fruits are reddish-purple berries that ripen between September and October, and usually persist throughout the winter. Hackberry is an important food source for several species of birds.

Planting conditions

Common Hackberry is a very adaptable species that prefers moist conditions, but also grows well on dry sites. It prefers full sun to partial shade and is adaptable to several different soil types, including, sand, clay, loam, and rocky soil. It is tolerant of drought and periodic flooding. Common Hackberry is commonly found on limestone soils and in floodplains. It can naturally be found growing on rocky hills, sand, dunes, bottomlands, stream banks, and open woodlands.

Details

• Plant height:
  • Any
  • Over 3m
• Moisture level:
  • Dry
  • Normal
  • Moist
  • Drought Tolerant
  • Flood Tolerant
• Light conditions:
  • Full sun
  • Partial sun
• Soil type:
  • Sandy
  • Loamy
  • Clay
  • Rocky
• pH:
  • Acidic
  • Basic
  • Normal
• Depth:
  • Potted
  • Bareroot
• Eco Zone:
  • 2a
  • 2b
  • 3a
  • 3b
  • 4a
  • 4b
  • 5a
  • 5b
  • 6a
  • 6b
  • 7a
  • 7b
• Plant type:
  • Tree
  • Shrub
• Height:
  • 5 m
• Spread:
  • 10-15 m