Native to the central and northeastern areas of North America, hackberry trees are medium to large in size, capable of reaching heights of 30 to 50 feet, though some species can grow taller. They have a broad, rounded crown and often a somewhat irregular shape. The leaves are alternate, simple, with an asymmetrical base and serrated edges. The leaves are green in summer turning yellow in the fall. They are usually ovate with a pointed tip, and their texture can be somewhat rough.The bark is a unique grayish brown, covered in narrow corky ridges that are wart-like.
Hackberries produce small, berry-like drupes that ripen to a dark purple or almost black color. These fruits are edible, though not particularly flavorful to humans, but they are a valuable food source for wildlife, especially birds.
Hackberry trees are widely used in the urban environment. They have a tolerance for most urban conditions and thrive where others will not survive. If properly maintained and pruned from an early age, these trees make fine specimens.
Hackberry trees can be susceptible to several pests like the hackberry nipple gall maker, which causes galls on the leaves. They can also suffer from witches’ broom, a condition caused by mites and fungi, leading to clusters of twig growth.
Types of Hackberries
- Common Hackberry (Celtis occidentalis) – Native to North America, this species is known for its tolerance to a variety of soil types and urban conditions. It has a distinctive warty bark and produces small, dark purple berries that are popular with wildlife.
- Sugarberry (Celtis laevigata) – Often found in the southeastern United States, this tree prefers wetter environments like floodplains. It’s similar to the common hackberry but has smoother bark and slightly sweeter fruit.
- Netleaf Hackberry (Celtis reticulata) – This species is native to the western United States and northern Mexico. It’s smaller than the common hackberry, often shrub-like, with leaves that have a net-like pattern of veins.
- European Hackberry (Celtis australis) – Also known as the Mediterranean hackberry or Lote tree, it’s native to southern Europe. It’s known for its longevity, shade-providing canopy, and the sweet taste of its fruit, which has been used in traditional medicine.
- Chinese Hackberry (Celtis sinensis) – Found in East Asia, particularly China, Korea, and Japan. It’s valued for its ornamental qualities, with glossy leaves and a more compact form suitable for urban planting.
- Caucasian Hackberry (Celtis caucasica) – Native to the Caucasus region, this hackberry is less known globally but is appreciated for its resilience to harsh conditions and its ornamental bark.
- Dwarf Hackberry (Celtis tenuifolia) – As the name suggests, this is a smaller species or variety, often found in rocky or dry areas in North America. Its smaller stature makes it less known for timber but useful in landscaping.
- Palo Blanco (Celtis pallida) – Found in the desert regions of the southwestern US and Mexico, this species is known for its white or pale bark, which stands out in the landscape. It’s more of a shrub or small tree.
- Hackberry (Celtis ehrenbergiana) – Sometimes called Spiny Hackberry or Desert Hackberry, it’s well adapted to arid conditions, with small, tough leaves and spines.
- African Hackberry (Celtis africana) – Native to Africa, this species grows in various habitats from forests to savannahs. It’s known for its light-colored wood and edible fruits.
- Hackberry (Celtis bungeana) – A species from China, noted for its resistance to pollution, making it suitable for city environments. It has a more rounded leaf compared to other hackberries.
- Hackberry (Celtis tournefortii) – This species can be found in southeastern Europe and western Asia. It’s less common in cultivation but shares the general hardiness of the genus.