Hackberry or Common Hackberry
Celtis occidentalis
Ulmaceae - Elm
Description
Leaves: Alternate; simple; ovate to ovate-lanceolate; 2" to 4" long; deciduous; serrate margin; long acuminate apex; base uneven; glabrous or slightly rough above; glabrous beneath; light, dull green; "nipple galls" or green bumps often occur on underside of leaves; petiole up to 1/2" long.
Twigs/buds: Twigs slender; zigzag; red-brown; pith chambered. No terminal bud; lateral buds small, pointed, pressed against the twig.
Flowers/fruit: Polygamo-monoecious. Fruit a drupe; 1/4" in diameter; round; dark-purple; one per stem; on stalks 1/2" to 3/4" long; flesh edible; ripen in September or October.
Bark: Gray-brown; smooth when young; develops characteristic corky warts or ridges when older; eventually becomes scaly.
Wood: Moderately important; sapwood pale yellow to green-yellow; heartwood yellow to light brown; growth rings distinct; ring-porous; rays visible to the naked eye; often sold as elm.
General: Native from the Great Plains east through most of the eastern U.S., excluding the extreme southeast; not Utah. Prefers moist, rich soils. Intermediate shade tolerance and will survive partial shade from other trees.
Landscape Use: This is one of the best non-native trees for planting throughout Utah. It has a medium-fast growth rate, a very nice canopy form, unusual bark, and is adapted to moderate drought, heat, wind, and high soil pH. Fruit is not a problem since it dries or is eaten by birds before dropping and trees do not bear heavily. Often used in windbreaks but also good as a large landscape tree for specimen use, in parks, or along streets. Has proven itself in Utah and should be planted much more; becoming easier to get. Zones 2-9.
Cultivars: 'Chicagoland', 'Delta', 'Prairie Pride', 'Windy City'.
Characteristics
General
Family | Ulmaceae - Elm |
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Cultivar Availability | Yes |
Hardiness Zone | 2-9 |
Type | Broadleaf |
Utah Native | No |
Growth
Growth Rate | High |
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Mature Height | High |
Longevity | High |
Is Good Under Power Lines | No |
Crown Shapes | Vase |
Ornamental
Bark | Yes |
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Fall Color | Yes |
Flowers | No |
Foliage | No |
Fruit | No |
Tolerance
Shade | Medium |
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Salt | Medium |
Drought | High |
Poor Drainage | Medium |
Alkalinity | High |
Transplanting | High |