Celtis occidentalisIndiana Native
Common Hackberry

Family:

Cannabaceae (Hemp Family) 5

Genus:

Celtis (Hackberry) 5

Plant Type:

Tree 569

Growth Forms:

Upright 570

Hardiness:

USDA Zone 2 49

Deciduous / Evergreen:

Deciduous 835

Flower Notes:

Green (Generally monoecious, April-May; not ornamentally important)

Foliage Notes:

Green (Bright to light green foliage in summer); Yellow (Light yellow foliage (not always impressive))

Stem Notes:

olive-brown, slender, prominently lenticelled, shining

Fruit Notes:

Black (Inconspicuous purple-black berries, ripen in September-October; birds like berries)

Ultimate Height:

40-60 feet

Ultimate Spread:

40-60 feet

Bloom Times:

Fruiting Times:

Light Requirements:

Soil Water Requirements:

Medium to wet 54

Soil Notes:

Tolerates alkaline, acidic, dry, wet, and rocky soils

Range:

Eastern and central North America

Maintenance:

Low 264

Diagnostic Characteristics:

Leaves (2-5" long) are simple and alternate in 2 rows along twig, ovate to oblong-ovate and serrate except at base, long tapering tip, dull light or medium green above, paler below. Oblique leaf base. Pointed and appressed chestnut colored buds. Olive brown stems are lenticelled. Bark is characteristically ridged and warty.

Ecological Functions:

Special Characteristics:

Drought Tolerant 288

Tolerant of Poor Site Conditions 187

Wet Soil Tolerant 109

Additional Information

As well adapted to Midwestern conditions as American Elm, and a reasonably good substitute in form as well. Especially useful in large-scale situations with dry soils and heavy winds. Subject to a leaf nipple gall (caused by psyllid insect Pachypsylla dismamma, one of many jumping plant lice) and witches'-broom disease (caused by Eriophyid mite), both minor in most situations in the Midwest. Especially coarse texture limits use in designed landscapes.