Hackberry
Common Hackberry
Celtis occidentalis
Plant Details:
Plant type: Tree | Straight native species
Sun: Full sun to part shade
Soil moisture: Dry to wet
Mature size: 40–60 ft. tall × 40–60 ft. wide
Bloom time: April–May
Growth rate: Fast
Container size: 3 gallon pot
Estimated size at pickup in feet (if available): 4-5
Great For
• Large shade tree
• Urban or exposed site
• Wildlife and naturalized planting
Ecological Benefits
• Fruit feeds many birds and mammals, and the tree is an important caterpillar host. Its branching also provides nesting and shelter.
Why We Recommend It
We recommend Common Hackberry as one of the toughest native shade trees for difficult Indiana sites. It grows quickly, tolerates clay, drought, temporary flooding, wind, and urban conditions, and provides exceptional wildlife value. Its fruit feeds many birds and mammals, while the foliage hosts Hackberry Emperor, Tawny Emperor, Mourning Cloak, Question Mark, and American Snout butterflies. Give it room to mature, and expect harmless leaf galls or occasional fruit cleanup rather than a perfectly manicured appearance.
Good to Know
• Tough, fast-growing native shade tree
• Highly adaptable to difficult urban sites
• Exceptional wildlife value
Care/behavior information: Little routine maintenance is required once established.
Warning or placement concerns (if applicable): Leaf galls and witches'-broom are common but usually cosmetic. Fallen fruit can create cleanup near sidewalks or patios.
Notable wildlife detail (if applicable): Host plant for Hackberry Emperor, Tawny Emperor, Question Mark, Mourning Cloak, and American Snout butterflies.
Deer resistant (if applicable):
Rabbit resistant (if applicable):
Special tolerances: Drought; clay soil; temporary flooding; wind; urban pollution
Fall 2026 Plant Pickup
This is a preorder item and will not be available until our fall pickup event. Plants are not shipped.
Pickup Dates
Thursday, October 1, 2026 |11:00 AM–6:00 PM in Noblesville, IN
Friday, October 2, 2026 | 10:00 AM–1:00 PM in Noblesville, IN
Pickup Location
Hamilton County Fairgrounds in Noblesville, Indiana. More info will be shared via email as the pick-up dates approach.
Please plan to pick up your order during one of these scheduled times. Plants are living material and cannot be held beyond the pickup event unless prior arrangements have been made.
Plant Guarantee
We guarantee that you will receive a healthy plant at pickup. Because survival depends on planting methods, weather, site conditions, and ongoing care, we cannot offer refunds or guarantees after pickup. Height estimates are approximate and not guaranteed. Remember that you're investing in a healthy root system—the foundation of long-term success—not simply above-ground height.
Photos courtesy of Arbor Day Foundation and/or Missouri Botanical Garden Plant Finder.