A medium native tree producing small purple-black fruits.

Also called: Common Hackberry

Native status: Native to eastern North America

§ Quick facts

SizeHeight 15–30 m
Lifespan100–200 years
OrderRosales
FamilyCannabaceae

§ Encyclopedia

Celtis occidentalis, commonly known as the common hackberry, is a large deciduous tree native to North America. It is also known as the nettletree, beaverwood, northern hackberry, and American hackberry. It is a moderately long-lived hardwood, with a light-colored wood that is yellowish gray to light brown with yellow streaks.

Source: Wikipedia — Celtis occidentalis Licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0

§ Identification

Field marks. Medium-large tree with rough warty bark; long pointed leaves with toothed margins; small dark purple-black fruits.

Similar species. Sugarberry (related; smaller). Other Celtis species.

§ Diet & behavior

Diet. N/A — photosynthesis

Behavior. Common tree of bottomlands and floodplains across eastern North America. Important wildlife tree (berries eaten by many birds).

§ Range

Eastern North America

§ Habitat

Riparian areas, suburban yards

§ Threats

Habitat loss.

§ Conservation status

According to the IUCN Red List, the hackberry (eastern) is currently classified as Least Concern.

§ What helps

Plant native hackberry.

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§ Further reading

§ Sources cited

  • USDA Forest Service Silvics Manual