Celtis occidentalis
Hackberry is a hardy native tree that thrives in a wide range of conditions. Its distinctive bark, elm-like leaves and small, berry-like fruit make it a valuable and often underappreciated addition to naturalized spaces and large urban yards.
Quick Facts
Height: approximately 40 feet in urban settings
Spread: approximately 25 feet in urban settings
Form: oval to rounded crown with spreading branches
Leaves: simple, bright green above and paler green below, somewhat hairy, ovate with serrate edges and an unsymmetrical base with a tapered point; emerge in spring; yellow to yellow-green in fall
Bark: smooth, grey-brown when young; plated, corky, irregular ridges, grey-brown when mature
Flowers: very small, light green, inconspicuous clusters; emerge in spring
Fruit: pea-sized, orange-brown, round, drupes containing large pits; mature to purplish-black in early fall and persist throughout the winter
Distinguishing Feature
Hackberry is easy to identify by its distinctive bark, which develops irregular, corky ridges that give it a warty or reptilian texture. Its persistent fruit also makes it a reliable food source for birds into the colder months.
Historical Fact
Hackberry wood, though not as well-known as cherry or oak, was historically used for fencing, barrel hoops and cheap furniture. Its flexibility also made it a practical choice for settler-era wagon parts.
Why We Love It
Hackberry is a resilient native tree that tolerates drought, urban pollution, poor soils and compacted ground, which makes it ideal for city planting. It provides important habitat and food for birds, including cedar waxwings, mockingbirds, and robins. It also supports several butterfly and moth species, such as the hackberry emperor and tawny emperor.
Did You Know?
- Hackberry is a member of the hemp family, not the elm family, despite its elm-like leaves.
- Its fruit is edible for humans too—sweet and date-like, though mostly pit.
- The bark texture becomes more pronounced with age, making mature trees particularly striking in winter.
Plant Your Own!
Planting a hackberry in your yard is a wonderful way to enhance the beauty of your property. Plant for Less with LEAF’s subsidized Backyard Tree Planting Program.
LEAF (Local Enhancement and Appreciation of Forests) is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to the protection and improvement of urban forests. We envision vibrant communities where everyone benefits from a healthy urban forest. For over 30 years we have been connecting people with trees through education, planting and stewardship.
