treeN. America Native

Common Hackberry

Name: Common Hackberry
Brand: Celtis
Availability: InStock

Celtis occidentalis

$95.00

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Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Tree

Height

600 inches

Width

600 inches

Light

Full Sun, Partial Sun

Zones

4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9

Water

Low to medium

Humidity

Highly adaptable

Lifespan

150-200 years

Native To

North America

Toxicity

Non-toxic

The Story

Plant Bio

A tough, medium to large deciduous tree native to North America, highly regarded for its extreme adaptability to difficult urban conditions. It has a vase-shaped to rounded crown and light green, elm-like leaves. Its most distinguishing feature is the warty, cork-like bark that becomes more pronounced with age, providing unique winter interest. It is also a valuable wildlife tree, hosting several butterfly species and feeding birds with its fruit.

Bloom Period:

EarlyLate

Uses & Benefits:

The Common Hackberry offers a unique aesthetic with its light green foliage and fascinating, deeply ridged and warty bark that provides exceptional winter texture and interest. Its vase-like shape is reminiscent of the American Elm.

Its tolerance of drought, flooding, wind, pollution, and a wide range of soils makes it one of the most durable and reliable shade trees for challenging urban environments like parking lots and street medians.

It is a superb wildlife tree. The leaves are the sole food source for the caterpillars of the Hackberry Emperor and Tawny Emperor butterflies. Its small, sweet, date-like fruits persist into winter, providing a crucial food source for many bird species.

Marketplace

Where to Buy

Sooner Plant Farm

1+ Gal Pot

In Stock$95.00

Shipping costs Year-round shipping Free shipping

Planting

How to Grow

Plant in almost any soil type, from wet clay to dry sand.
Select a location in full sun for best growth and form.
Dig a hole twice the width of the root ball and just as deep.
Set the tree in the hole with the root flare at or just above soil level.
Backfill with existing soil and water deeply to settle.
Mulch around the base to conserve water, but avoid contact with the trunk.

Pro Tip

Embrace its 'flaws' like nipple galls and witches' broom; they are characteristic and rarely harm this incredibly tough tree.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Water regularly for the first year to establish a deep root system.
Allow the tree to develop its natural, often picturesque form.
Appreciate its value to wildlife, including birds and butterflies.

Don't

Do not be concerned by cosmetic issues like leaf galls.
Avoid planting in deep shade, which can lead to a weak, spindly form.
Don't over-fertilize; this tree thrives in average to poor soils.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Pest Check
Prune

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Durable street tree for tough urban sitesExcellent shade tree for parks and naturalized areasKey species for butterfly gardens and wildlife habitats

Companion Plants

Panicum virgatum Echinacea purpurea Rudbeckia hirta Amelanchier arborea Physocarpus opulifolius

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Common Hackberry questions

What zones can Common Hackberry grow in?

Common Hackberry is hardy in USDA Zones 4–9. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Common Hackberry deer resistant?

Yes — Common Hackberry is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.

When does Common Hackberry bloom?

Common Hackberry typically blooms in mid-spring through late spring. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Common Hackberry need full sun?

Common Hackberry does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.

Is Common Hackberry drought tolerant?

Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Common Hackberry handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.