Hackberry
Deciduous tree growing 12-25 m tall with a rounded crown. Features ovate, asymmetrical leaves and small, edible fruits that turn dark purple when ripe. Bark develops distinctive warty ridges with age. Tolerates a wide range of soil conditions and full sun to partial shade. Drought and urban pollution tolerant. Provides important food source for birds and wildlife. Suitable for urban landscapes, streetscapes, and naturalized areas.
Plant Details
Bloom Colour: Green (inconspicuous)
Bloom Time: Spring
Sun Requirements: Sun to Part-Shade
Moisture: Dry to Moist-Drained
Phenology: Leaves emerge mid-May. Inconspicuous flowers appear with leaves. Fruits develop green, ripening to purple-brown in September, often persisting into winter. Yellow fall color develops mid-October. Distinctive bark visible in winter.
Wildlife Value: High value wildlife tree; berries eaten by many bird species including cedar waxwings; important host for butterfly species including Hackberry Emperor
Habit Over Time: Develops into a broadly spreading tree with arching branches and a rounded crown. Young trees show irregular branching patterns that become more symmetrical with age. The canopy allows dappled light through, making it possible to grow understory plants beneath. Root system is adaptable and not particularly aggressive, allowing for companion plantings. May self-seed but not prolifically.
Height: Tall (40-60 feet)