Common Hackberry
Celtis occidentalis
Common Hackberry (Celtis occidentalis) is a tree suited to the Colorado Front Range, rated "Recommended" on the 2024 Front Range Tree Recommendation List. It matures to about 40–60 ft tall and 40–60 ft wide, needs low to medium water, and prefers full sun. Weak Wood; Animal Damage; Nipple Gall cosmetic.
low to medium water40–60 ft tall and 40–60 ft wideXeric / water-wiseZones 2–3 (keep it back from the house)Deer-resistant
Photos
- Photo 1: Chhe (talk)
- Photo 2: "Celtis occidentalis (Hackberry)" by wallygrom is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0. To view a copy of this license, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0/.
- Photo 3: "Celtis occidentalis berry, Odessa, Ukraine" by Yuriy Kvach is licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0. To view a copy of this license, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/.
- Photo 4: (c) Shelby Lyn Sanders, some rights reserved (CC BY)
- Photo 5: (c) Tom Norton, some rights reserved (CC BY)
- Photo 6: (c) Douglas Goldman, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA), uploaded by Douglas Goldman
At a glance
Will it survive here?
- Hardiness zones
- USDA 3–9
- Water needs
- low to medium water
- Sun
- Best in full sun.
- Soil
- clay, loam, sandy
- Soil pH
- 6.0–8.2
- Hail tolerance
- moderate
- Wind tolerance
- high
- Salt tolerance
- high
- Firewise (defensible space)
- Zones 2–3 (keep it back from the house)
How big, what shape?
- Mature size
- 40–60 ft tall and 40–60 ft wide
- Mature form
- Vase-shaped
- Spacing / clearance
- ~60 ft of clearance
- Growth rate
- Moderate
- Lifespan
- Long-lived
What it looks like, and when
- Fall color
- Yellow
- Foliage
- Deciduous
Who else benefits
- Pollinator value
- low
- Deer
- Generally deer-resistant
- Colorado native
- No
Site factors to consider
- Watch: Weak WoodBrittle wood that heavy spring snow and wind like to snap, so prune for strong structure and keep it clear of roofs, wires, and drives.
- Watch: SuckersIt throws up shoots from the roots and base, so plan on cutting suckers to keep it from turning into a thicket.
Common problems on the Front Range
- Hackberry nipple gall (cosmetic, harmless)
- Witches'-broom
These are general tendencies for this group of plants on the Front Range, not a diagnosis. Many are stress-driven and preventable with good siting and watering. For a specific plant or an active problem, consult a certified arborist or your local CSU Extension office.
Planting & establishment
Water deeply every 7–10 days through the first 2 summers. Winter water 1–2×/month October–March when soil is dry and unfrozen, winter desiccation is a top killer of newly-planted trees. Year 3: taper to 2×/month in summer, then rely on natural precipitation.
Frequently asked questions
- Is Common Hackberry good for the Colorado Front Range?
- Yes, Common Hackberry is a well-suited tree for Colorado's Front Range, rated "Recommended" on the 2024 Front Range Tree Recommendation List.
- How big does Common Hackberry get?
- It matures to about 40–60 ft tall and 40–60 ft wide.
- How much room does Common Hackberry need?
- Give Common Hackberry about 60 ft of clearance from buildings, fences, and other trees so the mature canopy isn't crowded.
- What shape does Common Hackberry grow into?
- Common Hackberry typically grows into a vase shape, a narrower base flaring to a high, arching crown that lifts over a patio or street. This is the species' usual mature form, named cultivars (columnar, weeping, or compact selections) can differ, so check the specific cultivar.
- Is Common Hackberry hardy on the Front Range?
- Common Hackberry is hardy in USDA 3–9. The Colorado Front Range spans roughly USDA 4b–6a, so it is well within range.
- How much water does Common Hackberry need?
- It needs low to medium water once established.
- How fast does Common Hackberry grow?
- Common Hackberry is a moderate-growing tree. Growth rate depends on water and site conditions on the Front Range.
- How long does Common Hackberry live?
- Common Hackberry is long-lived, a multi-generational tree given good siting and care. Actual lifespan varies with site, water, and care.
- What color does Common Hackberry turn in fall?
- Common Hackberry turns yellow in autumn. Fall color intensity varies with the season and site on the Front Range.
- Is Common Hackberry native to Colorado?
- No. It is not a Colorado native, but it grows well on the Front Range.
- Is Common Hackberry deer-resistant?
- Common Hackberry is generally considered deer-resistant, though no plant is deer-proof when browse pressure is high.
- Is Common Hackberry a good firewise plant near the house?
- Common Hackberry is suitable in defensible-space zones 2–3, best kept back from the house rather than in the area right against the structure. This is general suitability guidance based on CSU Extension firewise plant lists, not a guarantee that any plant won't burn, a well-irrigated, well-maintained plant is the goal. Follow CSU Extension defensible-space guidance and check with your local fire district before planting in the wildland-urban interface.
- Is Common Hackberry prone to pests or disease on the Front Range?
- Common Hackberry can be affected by hackberry nipple gall (cosmetic and other issues common to this group on the Front Range. These are general tendencies, not a diagnosis, many are stress-driven and preventable with good siting and watering. For a specific plant or an active problem, consult a certified arborist or CSU Extension.
