Hackberry

 In
Hackberry

Celtis laevigata
Celtis laevigata
Palo Blanco, Sugarberry, Common Hackberry; False Elm
South-central and eastern U.S. to Mexico
30

60 feet
40

60 feet
  • Central Texas
  • Texas
  • Full Shade
  • Full Sun
  • Part Sun/Shade
  • Low
  • Birds

About This Plant

Deciduous, with tattered, heavily veined leaves; easily identified by the corky projections on its bark. The fruit is a small stone with a sweet, date-like skin. With a fast, carefree growth habit, hackberry is omnipresent in shaded woodlands; when any opening appears overhead, it leaps up to take advantage of the sun.

Hackberry is often derided as a “trash tree” but it’s among the most valuable trees for wildlife. It’s also one of the most common shade trees in San Antonio — especially around apartments, driveways, greenways and alleys (where it is constantly planted by birds.)

Maintenance

Whether you’re trying to cultivate hackberry or not, expect some effort to weed it out of flowerbeds and fencelines. To grow it as a tree, make cuts only at a bud or branch; focus on minimizing damaged or rubbing limbs.

Features

Plant Type:
Large Tree
Size:
30-60' H, 40-60' W
Sunlight Requirements:
Full Shade, Full Sun, Part Sun/Shade
Soil Types:
Clay, Sandy, Thin, Well drained
Wildlife:
Birds, Butterflies, Butterfly Larvae
Flower Color:
Green
Bloom Time:
Freeze Hardy:
Yes
Invasive:
No
Caution:
None
Coupon Eligible:
No

This plant goes well with

Recent Posts

Start typing and press Enter to search

Sweet acacia's yellow puff flowers are a standout in early spring.