Scientific Name, Family: Celtis occidentalis, Cannabaceae – Hemp

Common Names: American Hackberry, Nettle Tree, Beaverwood, Northern Hackberry, False Elm, Sugarberry

Native or invasive: Native 

Deciduous or Evergreen: Deciduous

Image of the tree you are viewing: GPS Latitude 45.00212 Longitude 92.90414

Condition and age guess of the tree you are viewing: Less than 1 year old

Branch Structure: Medium to large tree with rounded crown.  Twigs are slender and zigzagged.  Pith is chambered.  Looks similar to elms.

Typical height and width at maturity: 30-130 ft tall by 40-50 ft wide

Typical longevity: 150 to 200 years

Soil, water, sunlight preferences:  Full sun; tolerates compacted soils and a wide range of soil moistures and pH; salt sensitive; drought tolerant; river banks and rocky barrens common.

Growth habit of roots:

Images of trunk bark at early stage and mature stage: Grayish with distinct corky ridges

Images of mature tree: winter and summer

Image of leaf or leaves on a 12 x 12 inch grid: Alternate, simple, singly toothed, uneven base; ovate in shape, nipple gall is common leaves are ovate, opposite, lightly pubescent (soft down or fine short hairs on the leaves and stems of plants), and 2- 3 inches long.

Image of leaf or leaves in fall colors: color

Flower Details: ¼” to 3/8” single flower, blooms in spring

Typical Pollination Mechanism:

Images of flowers (one or two images)

Images of fruit: Purple berry-like drupe in mid-fall.

Value for wildlife: The Hackberry Emperor (asterocampa celtis) lays its eggs on the Hackberry tree – it’s the only host plant for its caterpillars.

Utility for Humans: Might not be the most popular for ornamental trees, but exceptionally hardy and good shade tree for pavements and avenues.  Grows well near eastern redbud, American holly and summersweet.

Traditional uses in Native American Tree Medicine (historical):

Links to related interesting information: audio file link

Homeowner’s Corner

Watch for leaf beetles, sap-sucking insects; longhorn beetles; brown spot; caterpillars; leaf miners; yellow spot.