Plant native: Common Hackberry

Common Hackberry, Celtis occidentalis Height: 50-70 feet Spread: 50-70 feet
Sun: full sun to part shade Water: medium to wet

Hackberry is a tough, adaptable tree that provides a canopy of shade for many decades. Its deep root system helps prevent soil erosion and provides habitat and food for a wide variety of wildlife, from pollinators to game birds to large mammals. The small dark brown fruits are edible to both humans and wildlife and often persist into late winter if not devoured by wildlife. Its warty bark, often streaked with lichens, makes it easily identifiable and it tends to develop attractive yellow fall color. It’s native to woodlands throughout the state and also a good landscape tree for tough sites.

Native plant recommendations from the Nebraska Statewide Arboretum, plantnebraska.org

---