Illinois Native Plant Guide

Hackberry
Celtis occidentalis

Preferred Water Depth and Inundation Tolerance

This is a floodplain forest and flatwoods species (1st terrace). Seedlings cannot tolerate submergence, but mature trees can survive spring flooding.

Wildlife Value

Fruits are eaten by birds and small mammals. Serves as an exclusive food source of the hackberry and snout butterflies.

Application/Zone

Used in upper shoreline zones, for streambank stabilization, and upland slope buffers.

Availability, Establishment, and Maintenance

• Easily transplanted bareroot as small tree or balled and burlapped as a larger tree.
• Seeds should be stratified for 60-90 days at 41o F in a moist medium.
• Growth rate is medium, 22-30 inches per year.

Hackberry
Celtis occidentalis

Mature Height
Up to 80 feet

Plant Type
Deciduous tree

Indicator Status
Facultative (-)

pH
6.6-8.0

Nutrient Load Tolerance
Moderate

Salt Tolerance
Moderate

Siltation Tolerance
Low to moderate

Flowering Color and Time
Greenish yellow
April to May

Light Preference
Shade tolerant

Seeding Rate
Not applicable

The following document requires Adobe Acrobat Reader: 
npg_p62-63.pdf [PDF]

<Back to Plant Guide Index
<Back to Plant Guide Table of Contents