Tough and sturdy, Celtis occidentalis (Common Hackberry) is a medium to large deciduous tree of pyramidal habit in youth, developing an open, spreading crown with age. The ascending, arching branches, often with pendulous branch tips, are covered with ovate, glossy to dull green leaves, 2-5 in. long (5-12 cm), which turn an undistinguished yellow in the fall. Greenish flowers appear in spring in clusters (male flowers) and solitary (female flowers). They provide pollen and nectar for bees, butterflies and hummingbirds. The female flowers are followed by a heavy crop of fleshy, sweet and edible berries which persist through winter. Many birds, including quail, pheasants, woodpeckers, and cedar waxwings, relish the fruits. The unique gray bark is often covered with conspicuous, protruding, corky warts and ridges, adding interest in the winter landscape. Native to central and northeastern North America, Common Hackberry is a tough shade tree that may be used as a lawn tree or street tree. Cultivars immune to witches broom are better selections than the species for landscape use.

• Grows up to 40-60 ft. tall and wide (12-18 m). Adds 24-36 in. per year (60-90 cm).
• A full sun lover, this plant is easily grown in organically rich, moist, well-drained soils. Tolerant of partial shade. Tolerates a wide range of soil conditions including dry sites, occasional drought, wet sites, alkaline soil, clay soil, periodic flooding.
• Low maintenance. Prune during dormant season.
• Keep an eye out for beetle leaves, caterpillars, hackberry nipple gall. Branches may become deformed due to bushy growths called witches-brooms produced by mites and fungi
• Highly susceptible to ice damage, weak wood and branch structure.
• Propagate stratified seed sown in spring or untreated seed sown in fall. Can be rooted from juvenile wood and from root sprouts or suckers.
• Native to central and northeastern North America.