Celtis occidentalis
Overview
The Northern Hackberry is a hardy native hardwood tree known for its adaptability, distinctive bark, and value to wildlife. Common throughout much of eastern North America, it thrives in a variety of habitats ranging from floodplains and stream valleys to upland forests and urban landscapes.
Although often overlooked in favor of more conspicuous species, Northern Hackberry is an important component of many forest ecosystems. Its ability to tolerate drought, flooding, pollution, and compacted soils has also made it a popular tree for parks, campuses, and streetscapes.
Identification
Leaves
- Alternate leaf arrangement
- Ovate to lance-shaped leaves
- Uneven leaf bases
- Serrated margins, especially along the upper half of the leaf
- Medium to dark green during the growing season
- Yellow fall color
Bark
- Light gray to gray-brown bark
- Distinctive corky ridges and warty projections
- One of the easiest identifying characteristics of the species
Flowers
- Small greenish flowers produced in spring
- Generally inconspicuous
- Wind-pollinated
Fruit
- Small berry-like fruits known as drupes
- Orange-red when immature, turning dark purple
- Persist into winter
- Produced singly on slender stalks
Size
- Typically grows 40 to 60 feet tall
- Can exceed 80 feet under favorable conditions
- Forms a broad, rounded canopy
Native Range
Northern Hackberry is native to eastern and central North America and occurs throughout West Virginia. It naturally grows in bottomlands, floodplains, stream corridors, woodland edges, and rich upland forests.
The species is highly adaptable and can tolerate a wide range of soil types and environmental conditions, contributing to its broad distribution.
Ecology and Wildlife Value
Northern Hackberry is an important wildlife tree.
Its fruits are consumed by:
- American robins
- Cedar waxwings
- Mockingbirds
- Wild turkeys
- Small mammals
The tree also serves as a host plant for several butterfly species, including:
- Hackberry Emperor
- Tawny Emperor
Its dense canopy provides nesting habitat, shelter, and shade for a variety of wildlife.
Human Uses and Cultural Significance
Northern Hackberry has long been valued for its adaptability and durability.
The wood has been used for:
- Furniture
- Crates
- Boxes
- Veneer
- General utility lumber
Today, the species is frequently planted in urban settings because of its tolerance for:
- Air pollution
- Drought
- Wind
- Compacted soils
- Variable growing conditions
Its resilience has earned it a reputation as one of the most dependable native shade trees.
Northern Hackberry at Marshall University
Northern Hackberry contributes shade, wildlife habitat, and ecological diversity to the Marshall University Arboretum. Its unusual bark and persistent fruits make it a tree of interest throughout the year, while its adaptability illustrates the resilience of many native hardwood species.
As a West Virginia native tree, Northern Hackberry helps demonstrate the diversity of forests found throughout the state and highlights the important role native trees play in supporting wildlife and healthy ecosystems.
Quick Facts
Common Name: Northern Hackberry
Scientific Name: Celtis occidentalis
Family: Cannabaceae
Native Region: West Virginia Native
Mature Height: 40-60 feet (occasionally 80+ feet)
Mature Spread: 40-60 feet
Growth Rate: Moderate to Fast
Sun Requirements: Full Sun to Partial Shade
Soil Preferences: Adaptable; tolerates both moist and dry soils
USDA Hardiness Zones: 2-9
Bloom Period: April to May
Fruit/Seed: Small purple drupes that often persist into winter
Wildlife Value: Provides fruit for birds and mammals and serves as a host plant for several butterfly species
Notable Characteristics: Corky, warty bark; persistent fruits; and exceptional adaptability