Scientific Name: Celtis occidentalis
Common Name: hackberry
Native Range: Central and northeastern North America
Zone: 2 to 9
Plant type & Form: Deciduous tree with a rounded spreading crown and upright-arching branching
Height: 40.00 to 60.00 feet
Spread: 40.00 to 60.00 feet
Bloom Time: April to May
Bloom Description: Green
Flower: Insignificant, greenish flowers both in clusters (male) and solitary (female)
Fruit: Round, edible, fleshy, berry-like drupes that turn a deep purple/brown color
Leaf: Ovate, rough-textured, glossy to dull green leaves with coarse tooth margins and uneven leaf bases (2-5″ long)
Sun: Full sun to part shade
Water: Medium to wet
Soil type & pH: Prefers moist, organically rich, well-drained soils and can tolerate a wide range of soil conditions
Maintenance: Low
Suggested Use: Shade tree, Street tree, Rain Garden
Tolerates: Drought, Clay soil, Wet soil, Air Pollution
Notes: This is a fast growing plant and the branches tend to droop. Wildlife is attracted to the fruit.
Identification notes: Mature bark is gray and has distinctive corky ridges or a bumpy texture. Look for elongated heart shaped, asymmetrical leaves and tiny purple/brown berries.
Information gathered from Missouri Botanical Garden
