Common Hackberry
Celtis occidentalis · Deciduous Broadleaf
Plant Family
Cannabaceae
Tree Category
Shade Tree
Variety / Cultivar
None specified; straight species
Hardiness Zones
USDA Zones 3 through 9
About This Tree
A medium to large tree with a broad, rounded crown and slightly drooping branches. It is known for its rugged appearance and extreme adaptability to various soil types and urban conditions. Growth rate is moderate to fast.
Leaf Characteristics
Simple, alternate leaves with an asymmetrical (uneven) base. They are ovate, 2 to 5 inches long, with serrated margins and a pointed tip. Texture is often sandpaper-like on the upper surface and light green.
Bark Characteristics
Highly distinctive corky, wart-like ridges that develop as the tree matures. Color is grey to light brown. The unique texture allows for easy identification even in winter.
Growing Information
Origin Region
Native to Central and Eastern North America from southern Canada to the central United States.
Growing Season
Leafs out in mid-spring; flowers in April or May; fruits ripen in September to October; enters dormancy in late autumn with yellow fall foliage.
Sunlight & Water Needs
Prefers full sun but tolerant of partial shade. Once established, it is highly drought tolerant and adaptable to both wet and dry soils.
Mature Size
40 to 60 feet in height with a similar spread. Can reach 100 feet in ideal forest conditions. Lifespan is typically 150 to 200 years.
Special Characteristics
Highly resistant to wind and pollution; provides excellent fall color in good years. Known for 'nipple gall' on leaves and 'witches broom' (clumping of twigs), which are usually cosmetic rather than fatal.
Wildlife & Ecology
Produces small purple-black drupes (hackberries) that are a vital food source for birds like cedar waxwings and robins. It is the larval host for several butterflies, including the Hackberry Emperor and Mourning Cloak.