Common Hackberry (Celtis occidentalis)

(aka American Hackberry) A small to moderate size shade tree is fast growing, deciduous, and cylindrical shaped tree. Both its mature height and crown spread range between 40 to 60 feet.

The greenish-yellow flowers which bloom in late April to early May give a spring color of lime to its surroundings. The Hackberry has a gray, rough and corky bark and summer foliage of a medium green color with yellow-green underside.

Edible and small, the orange-red drupes ripen to a dark purple in early fall and are relished by birds.

The Hackberry is a great addition to urban landscapes since it tolerates adverse soil conditions, especially withstanding soggy soil or extreme drought, and is also wind tolerant and cold hardy.