Hackberries

Hackberries are trees in the genus Celtis, belonging to the Cannabaceae family. They encompass several species native to temperate regions of the Americas, Europe, and Asia. In North America, the common hackberry (Celtis occidentalis) is widespread, with other species including sugarberry (Celtis laevigata), netleaf hackberry (Celtis reticulata), European hackberry (Celtis australis), and Chinese hackberry (Celtis sinensis).

They are deciduous trees that can reach 15–25 meters in height, with irregular crowns. Leaves are alternate, simple, and serrated, often with an asymmetrical base. The bark is rough and develops corky, warty ridges on mature trees.

Fruits are small drupes, about 3–6 millimeters in diameter, starting green and turning purple-black as they ripen. They are mildly sweet and usually eaten by wildlife rather than humans, though some regional jams or wines have been made from hackberries.

Hackberries tolerate drought and poor soils, making them common in landscapes and streetscapes. They can host pests such as hackberry nipple gall mites, which cause bumps on leaves, and may suffer from verticillium wilt, powdery mildew, and scale insects. They are important wildlife trees, providing food and shelter for birds and other animals.

The wood is hard and close-grained, used for furniture, flooring, handles, and other small wood products. Ecologically, hackberries contribute to urban biodiversity and serve as ornamental shade trees in appropriate settings.