Celtis occidentalis
Common Hackberry
Common Hackberry is a medium to large, wildlife-friendly deciduous tree. It is monoecious (separate male and female flowers on the same plant);...
Description:
Common Hackberry is a medium to large, wildlife-friendly deciduous tree. It is monoecious (separate male and female flowers on the same plant); the tiny, greenish flowers bloom in April-May. The female flowers produce round, fleshy, dark purple, berry-like fruits valued by birds and wildlife as a food source. Berries can cause tree litter, so avoid planting this tree near walkways and sidewalks. It is a host plant for butterfly and moth larvae (caterpillars), including Wild Cherry Sphinx (Sphinx drupiferarum), Tawny Emperor (Asterocampa clyton), American Snout (Libytheana carinenta), Question Mark (Polygonia interrogationis), and Mourning Cloak (Nymphalis antiopa). Common Hackberry can tolerate a wide range of soil conditions and air pollution, making it suitable for urban areas. Use it as a lawn tree or street tree.
Plant Details:
Plant Type: Tree
New Jersey Native: Yes
Bloom Times: Spring, Late Spring to Early Summer
Bloom Colors: Green
Deer Resistance: High
Attracts Pollinators and Wildlife: Butterflies, Birds
Salt Tolerance: Low to None
Hardiness Zone: 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b
Physiographic Region: All Regions in NJ
Grows in Special Ecoregions: Pinelands
Soil Characteristics
Soil Type: Loam, Organic, Sandy, Clay
Soil Moisture: Dry, Moist
Soil pH: Slightly Acidic, Neutral, Slightly Alkaline
Light Needs of Plant
Optimal Light: Full Sun
Light Range: Full Sun
Water Needs of Plant
Soil Moisture: Dry, Moist
Drought Tolerance: High
Size and Growth Rate
Height: 40 - 60 ft
Spread: 40 - 60 ft
Growth Rate: Fast