One of the toughest native shade trees available, hackberry tolerates extreme cold, heat, high pH soils, road salt, and flooding, making it a reliable street tree and restoration species where site conditions are too harsh for less adaptable trees - while also hosting an exceptional range of native butterflies.
Species Overview
Known as common hackberry, Celtis occidentalis is a medium to large deciduous tree native to North America, reaching 40 to 80 feet in height. It is notable for its warty, cork-like bark and ovate leaves with serrated edges. This hardy tree grows in a variety of soils, from moist riverbanks to dry uplands, and is tolerant of urban conditions. It produces small, dark purple fruits that are a valuable food source for birds and wildlife.
Application
Street tree and urban landscape specification - tolerant of harsh, compacted, high-pH sites
Restoration plantings on a wide range of soils, from riverbanks to dry uplands
Wildlife habitat plantings - fruit is a valuable winter food source for birds
Larval host habitat for Hackberry Emperor, Question Mark, American Snout, Mourning Cloak, and Tawny Emperor butterflies
Growing Conditions / Specification Data
Light: Full Sun to Part Shade
Soil/Moisture Tolerance: Wide range - moist riverbanks to dry uplands; tolerant of high pH, wind, and urban conditions
Drought Tolerance: High
Flood Tolerance: Moderate - Rated moist-to-dry hydrology in a formal stormwater vegetation reference table; tolerates periodically moist soil but not prolonged standing water.
Growth Rate: Moderate - sources describe it as medium to fast
Plant Type: Tree
Mature Height: 50-80 ft. (existing records show 40-80 ft.; see flags)
Fall Color: Yellow
Bloom Color / Period: Green; April-May
Wetland Indicator Status: FAC (Facultative)
Native Range: Canada south to Florida, west to south-central states
