Celtis occidentalis
common hackberry
A large, spreading, deciduous tree to a height of 20m with dark green lance-shaped leaves. Greenish flowers in spring are followed by small sweet, edible fruits that mature from orange-red to dark purple. Autumn colour is a very striking yellow.
Other common names
American false elmAmerican hackberry
see morebeaver wood
hackberry
nettle tree
rim ash
sugarberry
sugarberry tree
![](https://apps.rhs.org.uk/plantselectorimages/detail/elbo40498.jpg)
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Size
Ultimate height
Higher than 12 metresTime to ultimate height
10–20 yearsUltimate spread
Wider than 8 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Well–drainedpH
Neutral, Alkaline, AcidColour & scent
Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
Spring | Green | Green | ||
---|---|---|---|---|
Summer | Green | Orange | ||
Autumn | Yellow | Black | ||
Winter |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
East–facing or South–facing or West–facing or North–facing
Exposure
ShelteredDrought resistance
Yes Hardiness
H6Botanical details
- Family
- Cannabaceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Spreading branched
- Genus
A genus of 60-70 species of deciduous or evergreen shrubs to medium-sized trees with serrated green foliage and clusters of small, greenish-white flowers which appear in the spring
- Name status
Correct
How to grow
Cultivation
In cool climates such as the UK, needs a warm site with well-drained soil in a sunny position. In warmer climates, grow in deep fertile soil in partial shade
Propagation
Propagate by seed in autumn
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Low Maintenance
Pruning
Pests
Generally pest-free
Diseases
Generally disease-free
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