Common Hackberry
Celtis occidentalis
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Pl. 3F8B — Celtis occidentalis
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IOverview
Overview
The Common Hackberry is a tree or shrub that belongs to the Celtis genus. It is native to a wide range of areas, including parts of the United States and Canada. This plant is known for its edible fruit and seeds. One of its distinctive features is its ability to thrive in various conditions, including full sun and different soil types, from light and sandy to medium. It is also notable for its wide hardiness range, allowing it to grow in diverse environments. The Common Hackberry can be found in many regions, from Alabama to Wyoming, and in the Canadian provinces of Manitoba, Ontario, and Québec. Its adaptability and edible parts make it a notable species in its native range.
Quick answers
What is Common Hackberry?
The Common Hackberry is a tree or shrub that belongs to the Celtis genus. It is native to a wide range of areas, including parts of the United States and Canada. This plant is known for its edible fruit and seeds.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
This plant prefers full sun and can thrive in dry to moist conditions. It tolerates a range of soils, from light and sandy to medium textures, with a preferred soil pH of 6 to 7.8. Hardy in temperate regions, its hardiness is noted but specific zones are provided as 3-9. It can be grown as a tree or shrub, reaching heights of up to 20 meters. The plant produces edible fruit and seeds, and its perennial life cycle allows for repeated harvesting. Propagation methods are not specified, so gardeners may need to experiment with different techniques to successfully cultivate this plant.
Light
Full sun
Water
Dry, Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium
Hardiness
3-9
Life cycle
Perennial
Habit
Tree, Shrub
Mature size
20.0 m tall
Soil pH
6–7.8
For first-time growers
How to grow Common Hackberry for the first time
8steps
Start with a Common Hackberry tree for its hardiness and ease of care.
- 1
What you'll need
A young Common Hackberry sapling, well-draining soil, and a large container if planting in a pot.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in early spring or late fall when the ground is not frozen.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Ensure your soil has a pH between 6 and 7.8, and is well-draining. For containers, use a mix of light sandy and medium soils.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Transplant the sapling carefully, ensuring not to damage the roots. Water thoroughly after planting.
- 5
First two weeks
Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged during this critical period. Monitor for signs of stress.
- 6
Ongoing care
Water when the soil feels dry and provide full sun exposure. Prune lightly to shape the tree as needed.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune in late winter before new growth starts to maintain the tree's shape and remove any dead branches.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting in heavy soil, and not providing enough sunlight are common issues beginners should avoid.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:FruitSeed
Edible uses: The fruit and seed of this plant are edible. They can be eaten, although specific preparation methods are not provided.
Other uses:DyeFire starterWind breakerLumber
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
30 native · 0 introduced
Distribution
30 native · 0 introducedDistribution across1 continent· 30 native
Asia1 region
native (1)Georgia
Broader regions
native:Wisconsin, Arkansas, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Ontario, Pennsylvania, Québec
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXI
Explore further
Companion planting
Growing zone
XII
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