Celtis occidentalis
Common name: Hackberry
In youth, Hackberry’s branching habit is very unruly, numerous branches with leaders everywhere! When the tree reaches 3 inches in caliper, it looks very much like an elm. Very adaptable tree, growing in wet and dry soils in full sun. Does well as a street tree. The birds relish the purplish-black fruit. I have tried the flesh around the drupe, and it is very good. Be careful not to bite the seed hard as it is very tough! Hackberry is susceptible to nipple gall and witches broom, with nipple gall being the most prevalent. The gall and the tree get along just fine; it is human perception that causes the problem! Hackberry’s growth rate is very fast in its youth and slows as it matures, but it should grow 20-25 feet in 10 years.
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Plant Details
Plant type
Trees
Soil type
Dry Mesic, Mesic (Not too Wet Not too Dry), Moist Mesic
Light exposure
Eastern Exposure / Morning Sun, Full Sun, Partial Sun / Part Shade
Bloom period
Spring
Urban environment
Durable Near High Traffic Areas, Uncompacted Urban Soils, Harsh Exposure Tolerant, Compacted/New Construction Soils, Road-side/Salt Tolerant, Yards that Flood
Habitat
Floodplain, Sandy Soils, Savannas, Urban Suited, Woodlands
Growth form
Single trunk
Growth rate
Moderate
Flower color
Green White
Fall color
Yellow
Size
- Mature height
- 50 Feet
- Mature width
- 40 Feet
- Max height
- 60 Feet
- Max width
- 60 Feet
Additional information
Butterfly host plant Drought Resistant Great Shade Tree Loved by birds