Common Hackberry

Native Shade Tree
Wildlife Friendly Fruit
Textured Corky Bark

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#15 Container

$236.00

9 in stock

#35 Container

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3-4″ Caliper

$623.00

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Common Hackberry

Sunlight
Can grow in a range from full sun to partial shade. They need at least six hours of direct, unfiltered sunlight per day.
Watering
Regular watering schedule for the first six months. Once established, rainwater should be sufficient.
Fertilizing
Should not need any extra fertilizer unless your entire lawn and garden have problems and needs regular fertilizing.

Common Hackberry

Common Hackberry is a native deciduous shade tree valued for its broad canopy, distinctive corky bark, yellow fall color, and small purple fruit. Its adaptable nature makes it useful for open lawns, parks, streetscapes, windbreaks, and naturalized landscapes where durable native shade is desired.

Why choose Common Hackberry?

Choose Common Hackberry for a tough, wildlife-friendly native tree with reliable shade and strong landscape presence. Its arching branches create a rounded to spreading crown, while the gray-brown bark develops corky ridges that add character through winter. Small fruits ripen from red to purple and are enjoyed by many birds. This tree is especially useful where a large, adaptable shade tree is needed for open spaces, urban conditions, or more natural planting designs.

Key Characteristics

Botanical Name: Celtis occidentalis
Common Name: Common Hackberry
Plant Type: Deciduous tree
Growth Habit: Upright shade tree with arching branches and a rounded to spreading crown

Common Hackberry Additional Information

Common Hackberry produces small, inconspicuous spring flowers followed by rounded fruits that mature to dark red or purple in late summer to fall. These fruits may persist into the colder months and provide valuable food for birds, while the tree’s branching structure offers shelter and nesting opportunities. The leaves are medium green through the growing season and typically turn yellow in fall before dropping.

This species is known for its rugged adaptability and is often used as a shade tree, street tree, park tree, windbreak component, or native restoration planting. Its bark is one of its most recognizable features, developing corky, warty ridges with age. Pruning is most helpful when the tree is young to encourage a strong central leader and well-spaced branches. Mature trees usually need only occasional maintenance pruning to remove damaged, crossing, or crowded limbs.

Planting & Care

1. Planting: Plant Common Hackberry in full sun to partial shade with well-drained soil and plenty of room for its mature canopy. Set the root flare at or slightly above the surrounding grade, backfill with native soil, and water thoroughly.

2. Watering: Water deeply and consistently during the first growing seasons to support establishment. Once established, provide supplemental water during extended dry periods, especially in hot, windy, sandy, or compacted sites.

3. Mulching: Apply a 2–3 inch layer of mulch over the root zone to conserve moisture and moderate soil temperature. Keep mulch pulled back from the trunk and root flare.

4. Pruning: Prune in late winter or early spring to remove dead, damaged, crossing, or crowded limbs. Train young trees for a strong central leader and well-spaced scaffold branches.

Related Resources

FAQs

How large does Common Hackberry get?
Common Hackberry commonly matures around 40–60 feet tall and wide in landscape settings, with size varying based on soil, moisture, climate, and available growing space.
Where should I plant Common Hackberry?
Plant it in a sunny to partly shaded location with enough room for a broad shade canopy. It works well in large lawns, parks, naturalized borders, and street-side landscapes.
Does Common Hackberry have fall color?
Yes. Common Hackberry typically develops yellow fall color before dropping its leaves, adding a soft seasonal finish after its summer shade display.
Does Common Hackberry support wildlife?
Yes. Its small red to purple fruits are eaten by birds, and the tree also provides cover and habitat value in native and wildlife-friendly landscapes.

Shipping Details

Estimated Shipping Time: Most orders ship immediately. As noted on the website, some items are seasonal, and may only ship in spring or fall. Once your order is shipped, you’ll receive an email with a tracking number.

Amount of Order	Shipping Charge
Local Delivery	FREE SHIPPING
Non-Local Delivery	Varies based on UPS shipping

Tall Growth
Full Sun
Easy Plant

Mature Height	Medium: Up to 30 ft
Mature Spread	20+ ft
Growth Rate	Fast
Botanical Name	Celtis occidentalis
Bloom Time	Mid spring
Deer Resistant	Usually
Family	Cannabaceae
Flower Color	Non Flowering
Hardiness Zones	4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9
Light Needs	Full Sun
Maintenance	Low
Size	#15 Container, #35 Container, 3-4″ Caliper

Map of the United States with all states shaded green and visible borders, showing a uniform green fill across the country.

Growing Zones 2-9 Outdoors

(Hardy down to -50)

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