Description
Hackberry is native to the central United States from Tennessee west to the northern half of Oklahoma, north to north Dakota, east to Michigan. In Michigan it is found south of the Grand Rapids/ Saginaw line. Today (2/2026) I stumbled onto a few Hackberrys growing in a Home Depot parking lot in Houghton Lake, MI. I took a photo of the bark on the branches which remind me of Burning Bush branches. They appear to be winged.
The mature bark deeply furrowed and once you see it you won’t forget it. North Carolina Extension Gardener has an excellent article about Hackberry. Other alternate trees.
Scientific Name: Celtis occidentalis
Zone: 2-9
Mature Height: 40-60 ft
Mature Width: 40-50 ft
Fruit: Drupe that is 1/4″ across and ripens to a brown or purple color
Flowers: Inconspicuous
Growth Rate: 12” – 24”
Soil: Moist, alkaline, well-drained
Drought Tolerance: Good
Flood Tolerance: Good
Sun Requirements: Sun or part-shade
Fall Color: Yellow
Wildlife Value: Cavity nesting birds; berries for songbirds, migrant birds and mammals
