Growing a shade tree common hackberry

Hackberry (Celtis occidentalis) is a large native tree common along river terraces and floodplains in southern and central Minnesota. It is related to the American elm. After Dutch elm disease arrived in Minnesota, hackberry often replaced American elms in both natural forests and planted areas.

Hackberry is often used as a shade tree or along roads. It is easy to grow and does well in cities because it adapts to many soil types. It handles heat, drought, salt from roads, wind, ice, and even short floods.

The bark of hackberry adds visual interest throughout the year. Its fruit is a favorite food for birds and small animals. Many of the fruits stay on the tree during winter until birds eat them.

One downside of hackberry is the unsightly witches’ brooms that can form on the branches in winter. These can be seen throughout the crown of some trees.