Celtis laevigataIndiana Native
Sugar Hackberry
Other Common Names: Sugarberry

Family:

Cannabaceae (Hemp Family) 5

Genus:

Celtis (Hackberry) 5

Plant Type:

Tree 569

Growth Forms:

Upright 572

Hardiness:

USDA Zone 5 252

Deciduous / Evergreen:

Deciduous 838

Flower Notes:

Yellow (Generally monoecious; not ornamentally important)

Foliage Notes:

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

Stem Notes:

Brown to Green (thin twigs)

Fruit Notes:

Multi-Colored (Berry-like drupes that can range in color from orange-red to blue-black; edible, sweet, and juicy (very attractive to birds))

Ultimate Height:

60-80 feet

Ultimate Spread:

60-80 feet

Bloom Times:

Light Requirements:

Soil Water Requirements:

Medium to wet 56

Soil Notes:

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

Range:

Central and Southeastern United States and into Northeastern Mexico

Maintenance:

Low 266

Diagnostic Characteristics:

Leaves (2-4" long and narrower than Celtis occidentalis) are simple and alternate in 2 rows along twig, oblong-lanceolate with mostly smooth margins and 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 much less characteristically ridged and warty than C. occidentalis.

Ecological Functions:

Special Characteristics:

Drought Tolerant 288

Tolerant of Poor Site Conditions 187

Wet Soil Tolerant 109

Additional Information

The Sugar Hackberry is very similar to the Common Hackberry (Celtis occidentalis) and is especially useful in large-scale situations with dry soils and heavy winds. This species gained its common name from the juicy, sweet berries it produces. Subject to a leaf nipple gall (caused by psyllid insect Pachypsylla dismamma, one of many jumping plant lice). However, the Sugar Hackberry is more resistant to witches'-broom disease (caused by Eriophyid mite) than the Common Hackberry. Especially coarse texture limits use in designed landscapes. Less hardy than the Common Hackberry.