Common Hackberry
Celtis occidentalis · Deciduous Broadleaf Hardwood
Plant Family
Cannabaceae
Tree Category
Shade Tree / Forest Tree
Variety / Cultivar
None (Wild type)
Hardiness Zones
USDA Zones 3 through 9
About This Tree
A medium-sized deciduous tree with a rounded, often irregular spreading crown. It is known for its distinctive corky, warty bark and its ability to withstand diverse environmental conditions. It grows at a moderate to fast rate.
Leaf Characteristics
Simple, alternate leaves with an asymmetrical (uneven) base. They are ovate to oblong-lanceolate, 2-5 inches long, with serrated margins primarily on the upper half. The texture is rough, sandpaper-like on the top with prominent vein netting underneath.
Bark Characteristics
Highly distinctive 'crenulated' or warty bark with cork-like ridges. On mature trees, the bark is grey and develops deep furrows and prominent, irregular raised plates or warts that make it easily identifiable even in winter.
Growing Information
Origin Region
Native to Central and Eastern North America
Growing Season
Leafs out in late spring (April-May), flowers in spring, fruits ripen from green to dark purple/black in autumn, enters dormancy in late fall.
Sunlight & Water Needs
Full sun to partial shade; prefers moist, well-drained soils but is exceptionally drought-tolerant once established and can handle occasional flooding.
Mature Size
40-60 feet tall with a similar spread of 40-60 feet. Growth rate is moderate. Lifespan is typically 150-200 years.
Special Characteristics
Highly tolerant of urban pollution, strong winds, and alkaline soils. It is often used as a tough street tree. It features yellow fall color and edible (though small and seedy) drupes. Noted for its high resistance to most pests, though it can get 'nipple galls' on leaves.
Wildlife & Ecology
Produces small drupes (berries) that are a critical food source for winter-resident birds including waxwings, mockingbirds, and robins. It is a larval host for several butterflies, including the Hackberry Emperor, Tawny Emperor, and Question Mark butterfly.
Notes
Very crenulated bark on tree. Dark grey black “berries”