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Hackberry

Photos are representative and may not match your specific variety.

Hackberry

Shade tree

Celtis occidentalis

  • Partial sun
  • Zones 3–9
  • 60 days to maturity
  • Flowers
  • 420" spacing
  • Low water
  • pH 6–8
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  • Overview

    A tough, adaptable native tree that thrives where other shade trees struggle, making it perfect for challenging sites and urban environments. This undemanding tree grows quickly into a graceful, vase-shaped canopy that provides excellent filtered shade through its small, elm-like leaves. Wildlife enthusiasts love hackberry for its small berries that feed over 40 bird species throughout fall and winter.

  • Planting

    Seeds need 60-90 days cold stratification. Plant nursery trees in spring or fall.

  • Growing

    Sun: partial. Water: low. Soil pH: 6–8. Space plants 420" apart. Germination: 30-60.

  • Pests & diseases

    Common pests: Hackberry nipple gall, witches broom, psyllids. Common diseases: Generally disease-free, occasional witches broom.