Celtis occidentalis, commonly known as the common hackberry, is a large deciduous tree native to North America. It is also known as the nettletree, sugarberry, beaverwood, northern hackberry, and American hackberry. It is a moderately long-lived hardwood with a light-colored wood, yellowish gray to light brown with yellow streaks.
Family:
Cannabaceae (Hemp)
Height:
40 to 60 feet at maturity
Habit:
Single trunk; Round, spreading crown
Leaves:
Alternately attached heart-shaped or lance-shaped leaves with sharply pointed tip, up to 5 inches long and 3 inches wide. Often have large, warty galls on the surface.
Bark:
Brownish gray bark is furrowed and has distinct corky ridges. Some ridges may appear to have distinct vertical layers.
Flower:
Small green flowers (up to 0.25 inch across) with 4 or 5 sepals
Fruit:
A green, single-seeded berry-like fruit (drupe), turns dark purple when mature
Bloom time:
April-May
Fall color:
Yellow; Dried leaves and fruits often hang on late into the fall, with many of them persisting throughout the winter, especially on larger trees
Nicknames:
Common Hackberry, Northern Hackberry
Habitat:
Floodplain forests, hardwood forests
Wildlife Benefits:
Serves as a host plant for several species of butterflies. Fruit is a food source for some gamebirds and songbirds.
Notes:
Hackberry can grow in a variety of habitats and does well in urban landscapes. Prefers sun to part shade.
References:
https://www.minnesotawildflowers.info/tree/hackberry
https://www.illinoiswildflowers.info/trees/plants/hackberry.html
Family | Cannabaceae |
---|---|
Habit | Tree |
Origin | native |
Life cycle | perennial |
Bloom time | (4) April, (5) May |
*sites | Lake Phalen, Snail Lake |