ExplorePlants

common hackberry

Celtis occidentalis

The common hackberry is a tall tree with rough bark and small, sweet berries. It provides shade and food for many animals, making it a great tree for parks and gardens.

Habitat: Urban areas

Appearance

The common hackberry is a medium to large deciduous tree known for its unique, corky, warty bark. Its alternate, ovate leaves are rough to the touch with toothed edges. Small, round, dark purple fruits develop in fall, persisting into winter.

KingdomPlantaePhylumTracheophytaClassMagnoliopsidaOrderRosalesFamilyCannabaceaeGenusCeltis
common hackberry
deciduous trait badgeshade_tolerant trait badgebroadleaf_tree trait badgefruit_bearing trait badge
common hackberry

Category

Plants

Rarity

Common

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Snaps

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Interesting facts

Birds love hackberry fruit so much, they help spread its seeds everywhere.

Its sweet berries taste like dates and are safe for humans to eat!

Native Americans used hackberry bark for traditional medicine and yellow dye.

The unusual bumpy bark on a hackberry feels like sandpaper mixed with cork!

Special abilities

Ability

Drought Buster

Common hackberry can thrive in dry conditions thanks to its deep root system that finds water far below ground.

Ability

Warty Armor

Common hackberry has incredibly thick, warty bark that provides unique shelter for insects and makes it tough against damage.

Ability

Winter Feast

Common hackberry's sweet, purple berries cling to branches through winter, providing a crucial food source for birds when other food is scarce.

Ability

City Survivor

Common hackberry can tolerate harsh urban conditions, including pollution and poor soil, making it a resilient city tree.

Measurements & details

Height
1200-2500 cm
Spread
900-1500 cm
Flower Size
0.3-0.6 cm
Bloom Season
Spring
Edible
Yes
Toxicity
None
Lifecycle
Perennial
Pollination Method
Wind

Ecological connections

Traits

Also known as

No aliases listed yet.

Collections

Safety

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Always stay on paths when exploring near trees and be careful of falling branches.

Frequently Asked Questions

How tall is common hackberry?

1200-2500 cm

How wide does common hackberry spread?

900-1500 cm

How big are the flowers on common hackberry?

0.3-0.6 cm

When does common hackberry bloom?

Spring

Is common hackberry edible?

Yes

Is common hackberry toxic?

None

What is common hackberry's lifecycle?

Perennial

How is common hackberry pollinated?

Wind

Snap Map

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Where to spot

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