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Western hackberry

Name: Western hackberry
Brand: Akène
SKU: AKE-SEMGR2
Price: 5.99 CAD
Availability: InStock

Common name Common Hackberry

Latin name Celtis occidentalis

Quantity per packet Minimum 100 seeds

This native tree improves biodiversity by providing persistent fruit for numerous birds and small mammals. It also creates long-lasting habitat in both urban and natural environments.

Product information

Product
identification

Common nameCommon Hackberry

Latin nameCeltis occidentalis

FamilyCannabaceae

TypeTree

CyclePerennial

Quantity per packMinimum 100 seeds

Code produitAKENE-0036

Product
description

Common Hackberry (Celtis occidentalis) is a remarkable native tree that combines exceptional durability, longevity, and outstanding ecological value. Prized for its broad crown and dense canopy, it provides generous shade, making it an excellent choice for large landscapes, parks, and reforestation projects. Well adapted to Canadian climates, it tolerates a wide range of soils and performs exceptionally well under urban conditions, including air pollution and periods of moderate drought. Its stately form and steady growth allow it to become a defining feature of the landscape for generations.

Easy to grow, Common Hackberry thrives in full sun to partial shade and adapts to most well-drained soils. Once established, it requires very little maintenance while developing a strong root system that provides excellent stability and resilience. Its dark green foliage creates cooling summer shade, and its remarkable adaptability allows it to perform equally well in natural woodlands and urban landscapes. This versatility makes Celtis occidentalis an outstanding choice for long-term ecological plantings, sustainable landscaping, and urban greening projects throughout Canada.

In late summer and autumn, Common Hackberry produces small edible fruits with a mild, sweet flavor reminiscent of dates or dried figs. These berries provide an important food source for numerous birds and small mammals, greatly enhancing the tree's wildlife value. Planted alongside Shadblow Serviceberry, Chokecherry, or native Dogwoods, it helps create diverse ecosystems that support biodiversity. With its exceptional toughness, generous shade, edible fruit, and outstanding ecological benefits, Celtis occidentalis remains one of the finest native shade trees for Canada's landscapes, both today and for generations to come.

Sowing
guide

Sowing periodAutumn or spring after soaking and cold stratification

Best time

Autumn or spring

Sowing depth5 mm (0.2 in)

Spacing / density

8 to 10 m (26 to 33 ft)

Germination temperature20 to 24 °C (68 to 75 °F)

Germination time60 to 75 days

Propagation

Propagate primarily by seed after cold stratification. Seedlings are also commonly grown in nurseries for reforestation and ecological restoration projects.

Growing
method

Sow Common Hackberry seeds in autumn or spring after soaking followed by cold stratification to improve germination. Plant the seeds about 5 mm (0.2 in) deep in a light, well-drained growing medium kept evenly moist. Temperatures between 20 and 24°C (68 to 75°F) generally produce germination within 60 to 75 days. Young seedlings grow best in full sun to partial shade and fertile soils that encourage rapid root development. Once established, this adaptable native tree tolerates a wide variety of growing conditions and develops into an outstanding shade tree for reforestation and long-term ecological landscapes.

Soil
and care

ExposureFull sun to partial shade

Soil

All well-drained soil types. This species adapts to a wide range of soils and performs well under urban conditions once established.

Soil pHAcidic to neutral

Watering

Moderate watering is recommended during establishment and extended dry periods. Once rooted, this tree tolerates variable growing conditions very well.

Fertilization

A light application of compost each spring is generally sufficient for young trees. Mature specimens rarely require additional fertilization when growing in balanced soils.

Care levelLow

In spring, remove any dead or damaged branches and monitor the development of the main structure. During the first few years, maintain regular soil moisture to encourage deep rooting. Apply organic mulch around the base to conserve moisture and suppress weeds. In autumn, allow fallen leaves to decompose naturally to enrich the soil. Once established, Common Hackberry requires very little maintenance.

Container
growing

Recommended pot size

60 to 100 L (16 to 26 gal)

Container growing is recommended only during the tree's first few years because Common Hackberry quickly develops an extensive root system and broad canopy. Use a very large, deep container filled with rich, well-drained growing medium. Water regularly during establishment while avoiding standing water. For long-term success, transplant the tree into the ground as soon as its size allows.

Bloom,
harvest
and garden

Its edible fruits and remarkable adaptability make Common Hackberry one of the most versatile native trees for ecological landscapes. It also provides generous shade while supporting local wildlife.

This native tree improves biodiversity by providing persistent fruit for numerous birds and small mammals. It also creates long-lasting habitat in both urban and natural environments.

Garden use

Common Hackberry is ideal for large gardens, reforestation projects, and urban landscapes that promote biodiversity. Its broad canopy provides generous shade while its fruits feed numerous bird species. It combines beautifully with Shadblow Serviceberry, Chokecherry, and native Dogwoods in ecological plantings. Its toughness and adaptability make it one of the finest native trees for Canada's present and future landscapes.

Bloom period

Small greenish flowers appear in spring. Though inconspicuous, they provide an early food source for many pollinating insects.

Flower colorYellowish green

Foliage colorDark green

Harvest

Fruits are generally harvested from September to October once they become dark and fully ripe.

Fruiting

The fruits ripen in late summer and early autumn and often remain on the tree for an extended period, providing valuable food for wildlife.

Wildlife appealBeneficial wildlife

Size
and facts

Height12 to 15 m (39 to 49 ft)

Spread8 to 12 m (26 to 39 ft)

Growth rateModerate

Hardiness zoneUSDA Zones 3–8

Minimum temperature-40°C (-40°F)

Foliage typeDeciduous

Papillonstrue

Insectes utilestrue

Planting
partners

Good companions

Shadblow Serviceberry, Pagoda Dogwood, Chokecherry, Bush Honeysuckle

Avoid planting with

Black Spruce, Sheep Laurel, Purple Pitcher Plant, Rhodora

Recipe
and inspiration

The small fruits of Common Hackberry are edible and have a mild, sweet flavor reminiscent of dates or dried figs. They can be eaten fresh directly from the tree or incorporated into homemade preserves and other traditional recipes. Many bird species also rely on these persistent fruits as an important food source. Common Hackberry has a history of traditional medicinal use and remains a valuable native tree for edible and ecological landscapes.

Frequently asked questions

When should I sow Common Hackberry seeds? +

Common Hackberry seeds can be sown in autumn or spring after soaking and cold stratification. This treatment greatly improves germination and mimics natural conditions.

Are Common Hackberry fruits edible? +

Yes. The small fruits are edible and have a mildly sweet flavor. They are enjoyed by foragers and also provide an important food source for many bird species.

Why is Common Hackberry a good choice for reforestation? +

Common Hackberry is exceptionally hardy, adaptable, and tolerant of a wide range of urban and natural conditions. It diversifies plantings while providing valuable food and habitat for wildlife.

Is Common Hackberry a good shade tree? +

Yes. Its broad crown and dense foliage provide generous shade, making it an outstanding choice for parks, large landscapes, and long-term shade plantings.

Is Common Hackberry well adapted to urban conditions? +

Yes. This species tolerates urban pollution, moderate drought, and many different soil types, making it an excellent choice for sustainable urban landscapes.

The availability of our seeds varies depending on seasonal availability, production schedules and supplier inventory. Certain varieties may only be offered for a limited time based on their natural growth cycle, sowing period or available stock. These product pages are designed to help and inspire gardeners in choosing the right seeds for vegetable gardens, flower beds, pollinator gardens, container growing, naturalization projects and sustainable outdoor spaces.