CELTIS OCCIDENTALIS / COMMON HACKBERRY

CELTIS OCCIDENTALIS / HACKBERRY

A Hardy Native Tree with Tough, Ecological Value

Celtis occidentalis, commonly known as Hackberry, is a resilient native deciduous tree admired for its rugged bark, oval green leaves, and ability to thrive in a wide range of soils and conditions. Thriving in full sun with well-drained soils, Hackberry adds structure, shade, and ecological benefits to woodlands, urban landscapes, and naturalized plantings. Its small, orange to purple fruits provide food for birds and wildlife throughout the growing season.

Why Choose Hackberry?

Wildlife Friendly: Fruits feed birds and small mammals.
Tough & Adaptable: Tolerates drought, urban conditions, clay, and poor soils.
Ornamental Bark: Warty, corky bark adds winter texture.
Low Maintenance: Long-lived, resilient, and easy to grow.

Key Features:

Foliage Color: Medium green leaves turning yellow in fall.
Bark Color: Gray, corky, and ridged.
Height and Spread: Typically grows 50–70 feet tall and 40–60 feet wide.
Hardiness: Hardy to USDA Zones 3–9.
Sunlight: Prefers full sun.
Soil Requirements: Well-drained soils; tolerates clay, loam, sand, and urban conditions.

Specifications:

Plant Size: 50–70 feet tall, 40–60 feet wide.
Growth Habit: Upright, spreading deciduous tree with dense branching.
Hardiness: USDA Zones 3–9.
Flowering: Inconspicuous greenish flowers in spring; primarily valued for foliage and fruit.
Fall Interest: Yellow leaves and textured bark.

Ideal Uses:

Woodland & Naturalized Landscapes: Perfect for large gardens, parks, and native plantings.
Urban & Street Trees: Tolerates city conditions while providing shade and ecological benefits.
Wildlife Gardens: Fruits support birds and small mammals.
Low-Maintenance Landscapes: Hardy, long-lived, and resilient once established.

Hackberry is a tough and ecologically valuable native tree. Its rugged bark, yellow fall foliage, and wildlife-friendly fruits make it a standout choice for woodlands, naturalized landscapes, and urban plantings.