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Hackberry Tree

Celtis occidentalis
$10919 $12999
  • In Stock
  • Stay Protected with Plant Sentry ™
Plant Size

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This proprietary eCommerce software prevents the shipment of a restricted plant to each state. The Plant Sentry system includes a shipment certification program. The Plant Sentry Compliance Officer works closely with NatureHills.com and each nursery or fulfillment center to ensure only compliant plants are sold to customers.

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Delivery and Shipping

Shipping

To obtain a more accurate shipment time-frame, simply enter your zip code in the “Find Your Growing Zone” box to the right. Our plants are grown all over the country and lead time on items may be different because of this. Once your order is placed, you will also receive the specific shipment time-frame information as part of your order confirmation. Once an item ships, you will receive shipment notification and tracking numbers, so you can follow along while your plant travels to your doorstep. We use FedEx, UPS, or USPS at our discretion.

 

Due to winter weather we have put a hold on shipping to the areas shown below in grey. You can still order now and we will ship the plant to you during an appropriate time for your zone.

*If you have found your zone already, it will be highlighted in the table below.

Standard Shipping Rates

At Nature Hills we handle, package and ship the products you order with the utmost care to ensure healthy delivery. Shipping and handling charges are calculated based on the tables below. Please note that some items include an additional handling surcharge, these will be noted on the item's product page.

From To S&H
$0 $19.99 $24.99
$20 $49.99 $29.99
$50 $69.99 $34.99
$70 $99.99 $39.99
$100 $129.99 $44.99
$130 $149.99 $48.99
$150 $150+ Approx 28%

Click here to see our full rates

Plant Highlights

Hackberry Tree highlights at a glance!

Plant Highlights

  • Brand
    Nature Hills' Choice
  • Botanical Name
    Celtis occidentalis
  • Growing Zones
    3-9
  • Mature Height
    50 - 75 feet
  • Mature Spread
    25 - 40 feet
  • Sun Exposure
    Full Sun
  • Moisture
    Low
  • Soil
    Widely Adaptable
  • Growth Rate
    Fast
  • Flower Color
    Deciduous
  • Fall Color
    Yellow
  • Pollinator Friendly
    Yes
  • Pollinator Required
    No
  • Bloom Period
    Early Spring

Fast-Growing Hackberry Tree For Shade or Street

  • Native Tree Shelters and Feeds Birds
  • Fast-Growing, Especially as a Young Tree
  • Large-Scale Shade or Street Tree
  • Great for Windy Areas
  • Beautiful Fall Color
  • Produces Small Berries that Feed Birds
  • Provides Shelter for Birds
  • Urban Tolerant
  • Drought Tolerant
  • Salt Tolerant
  • Easy-Care

If you do a Google search on "best urban trees", Hackberry (Celtis occidentalis) should be listed. Although they are native to rich, bottomland soils, Hackberry trees are very tolerant of clay soils, pollution and salt.

They are adaptable to most soil types, including poor soils. Even if your thumb isn’t green, you can grow a Hackberry as a very tough, fast-growing shade tree.

Today’s trends have broadened to include a renewed interest in native trees, edible wildcrafted foods and eco-sensitive landscapes. It’s time to include marvelous trees like Hackberry on the fashionable list.

These valuable trees are native to the Eastern and Midwest United States and have very few issues or problems. Municipalities and parks departments are increasingly using Hackberry as wonderful street trees in biodiverse plantings.

Plant one in your yard for its shade and seasonal interest, especially if you have a place where the soil is too poor for other trees.

Hackberry grows into an expansive shade tree for your yard with a cylindrical shape. This fast-growing, deciduous tree produces edible fruit.

5-inch alternate, green leaves feature yellow undersides and a rare offset base. The pretty leaves turn completely yellow in autumn for a showy accent in your yard.

Hackberry's foliage arrives at the same time as the small spring flowers, giving your tree a vivacious, lime-green appearance. Those flowers will eventually give way to small, edible berries that are dark purple.

The drupes have a somewhat date-like flavor and were traditionally used by Native Americans as a food source. They are a favorite of Cedar Waxwing, and other birds. You better believe they will also treasure the shelter and nesting opportunities Hackberry provides.

Common Hackberry is a wildlife tree, for sure.

The Hackberry's trunk has a distinctive, corky appearance. The ridges and blocky texture adds ornamental interest to the barren winter landscape, as do the tiny berries.

The wood is strong, and not prone to storm damage. It can be used for furniture or other projects.

Native Hackberry is a great way to have an impressive shade tree with ornamental appeal in less time than other large trees would require. The edible fruit sweetens the deal as a fun and useful addition to an already outstanding tree.

Order these long-lived, wind-tolerant, salt-tolerant trees from Nature Hills. They’ll stand up to heat, drought, and pollution. Feel great about your choice, your local birds will certainly be pleased.

How to Use Hackberry Tree in the Landscape

Try Hackberry as a long-lived shade tree. They are very tolerant of open, windy areas like you might find in new neighborhoods or developments, golf courses, parks and for street use.

Diversity of species is always important when developing a new urban forest. Nursery professionals and extension offices often recommend Hackberry.

Use Hackberry as a modern street tree planted 30 feet apart on center. Measure from the center of one tree to the center of the next.

Hackberry has remarkable adaptability. Use this tree when you have lawn areas with clay soils and in Rain Gardens to filter runoff from roofs before it flows down the storm sewer.

There is perhaps no better shade tree for wide, open areas. You simply won’t have to fuss with it, just situate it on the south or west of your home. Allow that shade to reduce your energy bills!

Be sure to include Hackberry on Food Forests, in Wildlife Sanctuaries and other bird-friendly landscapes. Plant on the north side of a stand of Chickasaw Plum as a rugged, handsome backdrop.

#ProPlantTips for Care

Grow Hackberries in full sun or partial shade. Careful watering to establish the first season is always important, but they can be grown in wet or dry sites; in poor and clay soils with few problems.

Plant away from a driveway or patio because of its large size and the small, dark fruits that may drop. Hackberries are best when placed in the lawn to the south or west of seating areas. Use them correctly, and join the growing Hackberry Fan Club!

Hackberry trees are an important native species to support birds in your landscape. It is tolerant of most conditions, including drought, wind and urban conditions. Buy yours now!

Customer Reviews

Based on 12 reviews
67%
(8)
33%
(4)
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J
Joleen
Farm Shade & NW End Of Windbreak

I ordered No. 3 Container that were 4-5 feet to start. These arrived in good condition with no shipping damage aside from just a little spilled dirt. The pots were fabric, and wrapped in a plastic bag to contain the slightly spilled dirt and maintain moisture in the soil. The leaves were a bit yellow upon arrival, so I took a week to slowly adjust them to the sunlight again which was no big deal. Living in ND, this tree has all the right attributes for being able to withstand the cold, the harsh winds, and the alkaline clay soils... it is native to the state as well. It is ideal for use in open areas for providing shade, and is a great replacement tree for windbreak areas that the previous trees had suffered greatly from the more exposed areas.

Dear Joleen,

Thank you so much for sharing your detailed experience with your No. 3 Container trees! We’re delighted to hear that they arrived safely and mostly well-packed, despite a bit of spilled soil—which can happen occasionally with fabric pots during shipping. Your gentle acclimation approach to the yellowing leaves was spot on; giving them time to adjust to the sunlight is a great way to ensure healthy recovery.

It’s wonderful that you’ve chosen a tree suited perfectly for North Dakota’s climate and soil conditions. Native species truly have such resilience and added benefits to local ecosystems, making them ideal for windbreaks and shade in open areas. If you haven’t yet, you might find our growing guides on alkaline soil care and winter preparation helpful so that your trees continue thriving through the harsher seasons.

Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you want personalized advice on watering routines or protective measures as we move into colder months—we’re always happy to assist! Thanks again for trusting Nature Hills with your landscaping needs.

Wishing you happy planting,
The Nature Hills Plant Experts

J
Joleen
Farm Shade & NW End Of Windbreak

I ordered No. 3 Container that were 4-5 feet to start. These arrived in good condition with no shipping damage aside from just a little spilled dirt. The pots were fabric, and wrapped in a plastic bag to contain the slightly spilled dirt and maintain moisture in the soil. The leaves were a bit yellow upon arrival, so I took a week to slowly adjust them to the sunlight again which was no big deal. Living in ND, this tree has all the right attributes for being able to withstand the cold, the harsh winds, and the alkaline clay soils... it is native to the state as well. It is ideal for use in open areas for providing shade, and is a great replacement tree for windbreak areas that the previous trees had suffered greatly from the more exposed areas.

Hi Joleen,

Thank you so much for taking the time to share such a thoughtful and detailed review! We're delighted to hear that your No. 3 Container trees arrived safely and mostly in great condition, despite a bit of spilled soil—that's always our goal, to ensure your plants arrive healthy and ready to thrive. It’s great that you took that patient approach to slowly acclimate them back into sunlight, especially with your ND climate challenges—they will definitely reward your care.

You’re absolutely right about choosing native trees suited to your soil and weather conditions; they tend to do best and can become wonderful windbreaks and shade providers over time. If you need any additional tips for bolstering their resilience through the harsh winters—perhaps mulching or protective wrapping advice—feel free to reach out anytime. We love supporting gardeners in tough, variable climates!

Wishing you happy planting,
The Nature Hills Plant Experts

R
Rosey
The sugarberry tree

23 years ago my husband and me moved into a new subdivison which had this big spreading tree at the end of our large corner lot. I never knew until recently that this tree is a hackberry or (sugarberry tree in the south). Its not found readily available in garden nurseries so i was surprised to see it here on this site. It is a strong tree, not short lived and a good grower even in clay soils. It does attract birds even blue jays from time to time Without this tree in my yard it would be pretty much barren of wildlife. It may not have the fall color that most people want but it is a solid, no mess, no hastle performer and disease and pest resistant. I highly recommend this tree over a locust or poplar any day for faster shade.

Dear Rosey,

Thank you so much for sharing your wonderful experience with the hackberry tree, or as you fondly call it, the sugarberry. It’s truly special to hear how this impressive tree has provided lasting strength, shade, and welcomed wildlife—including those charming blue jays—to your yard for over two decades. Your insight about its versatility in clay soils and its low-maintenance qualities makes it such a standout option for other gardeners seeking hassle-free, reliable shade trees.

We absolutely agree that while the hackberry might not boast vibrant fall colors, its resilience and ability to support local wildlife bring a unique kind of beauty and value to any landscape. For others considering this tree, we suggest ensuring it's planted with adequate space to accommodate its spreading canopy and to benefit most from its hardy nature.

If you ever want tips on complementary native plants that attract more birds or provide colorful seasonal interest around your hackberry, feel free to reach out. Thank you again for your passionate and thoughtful recommendation—it truly helps fellow plant lovers make informed choices to build their perfect outdoor spaces.

Wishing you happy planting,
The Nature Hills Plant Experts

P
Pam
Robin favorite!

I have two mature hackberry in my yard and am on a MidWest migration route. Over the last week I've had enormous flocks of robins and cedar waxwings descend on them and then stay a few days in my oak woods. Great trees!

Hi Pam,

Thank you so much for sharing such a lovely update about your hackberry trees! It’s wonderful to hear that your yard has become a favorite stop for robins and cedar waxwings during their migration. Hackberries are truly fantastic for supporting local wildlife, and your mature trees are clearly providing that valuable habitat.

If you’d like to encourage even more feathered friends, consider supplementing their diet with native berry-producing shrubs or installing a simple birdbath nearby. These extra touches can help extend their stay or attract an even greater variety of birds.

Thanks again for your thoughtful feedback—we always love learning how our plants thrive in different gardens and climates!

Wishing you happy planting,
The Nature Hills Plant Experts

P
Pam
Robin favorite!

I have two mature hackberry in my yard and am on a MidWest migration route. Over the last week I've had enormous flocks of robins and cedar waxwings descend on them and then stay a few days in my oak woods. Great trees!

Hi Pam,

We’re so grateful you took the time to share your wonderful experience with your hackberry trees! It’s fantastic to hear how these majestic trees have become a favorite spot for robins and cedar waxwings during their migration. They truly are great trees, especially for attracting and supporting local wildlife.

If you’d like to encourage even more bird visits, consider adding some native shrubs or berry-producing plants around your yard—these can provide additional food and shelter options. Also, keeping a birdbath or water source nearby can make your property even more attractive.

Thanks again for sharing such a lovely story—your yard sounds like a beautiful habitat for both you and the birds alike!

Rooting for your garden’s success,
Your Nature Hills Plant Care Team

Hackberry Tree

Hackberry Tree

From $10919 $12999

Growing Zones

3-9

Mature Height

50 - 75 feet

Mature Spread

25 - 40 feet

Sun

Full Sun

Foliage Color

N/A

Fall Color

Yellow

Flower Color

Deciduous
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