Hackberry Tree (Celtis occidentalis) Live Bare Root Plant – 16+ Inches Outdoor

Overview

Introduce a robust and adaptable specimen to your landscape with the hackberry tree (Celtis occidentalis). This offering is for a live, healthy bare root tree, approximately 16+ inches in height, ready for planting. The Hackberry, also known as the Common Hackberry or Sugarberry, is a medium to large deciduous tree native to North America. It is cherished for its distinctive warty bark, tolerance to a wide range of conditions, and its ecological value. As a fast-growing tree, it quickly provides shade and adds architectural interest to any garden or park setting. Planting a celtis occidentalis bare root tree is an economical and effective way to establish this impressive species, allowing it to acclimate to its new environment and develop a strong root system.

The Hackberry is an excellent choice for those seeking a low-maintenance yet impactful tree. Its ability to withstand urban pollution, drought, and various soil types makes it incredibly versatile. From its attractive green and yellow foliage in the fall to the purplish-red berries that persist into winter, the hackberry tree offers year-round appeal. These berries are a vital food source for numerous bird species, making it a fantastic addition for anyone looking to create a wildlife friendly tree habitat in their backyard.

Key Benefits

The hackberry tree provides a multitude of advantages for both the gardener and the environment. Its hardiness and aesthetic qualities make it a popular choice for diverse landscapes.

• Exceptional Adaptability: The celtis occidentalis is incredibly tolerant of urban conditions, including pollution, poor soil, and drought, making it suitable for a wide range of planting sites where other trees might struggle. It is a true survivor, ideal for challenging environments.
• Valuable Wildlife Support: The small, sweet, purplish-red berries produced by the hackberry tree are a favorite food source for many bird species, including cedar waxwings, robins, and flickers, especially during late fall and winter. This makes it an excellent choice for a wildlife friendly tree.
• Attractive Foliage and Bark: Beyond its ecological contributions, the Hackberry features distinctive warty, cork-like bark that adds unique texture to the winter landscape. Its vibrant green leaves turn a pleasant yellow in autumn, providing seasonal interest.
• Shade and Shelter: As a medium to large deciduous tree, it grows to provide substantial shade, helping to cool homes and outdoor living spaces during hot summer months. Its dense canopy also offers shelter for various animals.
• Low Maintenance: Once established, this bare root tree requires minimal care, making it an ideal option for gardeners who prefer a hands-off approach. It is generally resistant to most pests and diseases.
• Fast Growth Rate: The Hackberry grows at a relatively fast pace, meaning you won’t have to wait long to enjoy its benefits, including shade and its presence as a mature specimen in your garden.
• Erosion Control: Its extensive root system helps to stabilize soil, making it valuable for erosion control on slopes or in areas prone to soil degradation.

Plant Care & Growing Tips

Caring for your hackberry tree is straightforward, thanks to its resilient nature. Proper initial planting and understanding its basic needs will ensure a healthy, thriving tree that becomes a standout feature in your garden. This bare root tree is designed for easy establishment.

When it comes to sunlight, the celtis occidentalis prefers full sun, meaning at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day. While it can tolerate some partial shade, optimal growth and fruit production occur in sunnier locations. For watering, young trees, especially bare root specimens, require consistent moisture during their first growing season. Water deeply 2-3 times a week, ensuring the soil remains moist but not waterlogged. Once established, Hackberry trees are remarkably drought-tolerant and will only need supplemental watering during extended dry periods. They are not particular about soil type and can thrive in clay, loam, or sandy soils, but they do prefer well-draining conditions. Good drainage is crucial to prevent root rot. The Hackberry is highly cold resistant and suitable for a wide range of climates, generally thriving in USDA Zones 3-9.

Fertilization is typically not necessary for established Hackberry trees, especially if planted in fertile soil. However, a balanced slow-release fertilizer can be applied in early spring for young trees to encourage vigorous growth. Pruning should be done in late winter or early spring to remove any dead, diseased, or crossing branches, and to shape the tree. The Hackberry is generally a healthy tree, but watch out for common issues like hackberry nipple gall (caused by a tiny insect), which, while unsightly, rarely harms the tree’s health. With proper care, your native shade tree will flourish.

Size & Details

This offering includes one hackberry tree (Celtis occidentalis) as a bare root tree, standing at least 16 inches tall. Bare root plants are dormant trees shipped without soil around their roots, allowing for easier transport and often quicker establishment once planted. The size of 16+ inches refers to the caliper or height of the tree at the time of digging. When mature, the Hackberry can reach impressive heights of 40-60 feet with a spread of 30-50 feet, forming a rounded, spreading canopy. Its growth rate is considered medium to fast, meaning you can expect noticeable growth within a few years of planting.

The form is a single seedling, ready to be planted directly into your garden. This species is known for its hardiness and long lifespan, making it a lasting addition to your landscape. Expect the tree to begin producing its characteristic berries within 5-10 years, attracting local wildlife and enhancing the biodiversity of your yard. The distinctive warty bark will become more pronounced with age, adding to its unique charm as a native shade tree.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Q: How big does this hackberry tree typically get? A: A mature hackberry tree can reach heights of 40-60 feet with a spread of 30-50 feet, providing substantial shade and a broad canopy. It’s a significant addition to any landscape.
• Q: Is this an indoor or outdoor plant? A: The celtis occidentalis is strictly an outdoor tree. It requires ample space to grow and thrive in a garden or naturalized area.
• Q: How much sunlight does a Hackberry need? A: Hackberry trees prefer full sun, meaning at least six hours of direct sunlight daily for optimal growth and health. They can tolerate some partial shade but perform best with more sun.
• Q: Is this bare root tree easy to care for? A: Yes, the Hackberry is known for being extremely low-maintenance and adaptable once established. It’s an excellent choice for both novice and experienced gardeners looking for a resilient tree.
• Q: What condition will the tree arrive in? A: The tree will arrive as a dormant bare root tree, meaning it will not have leaves and will be shipped without soil around its roots. This is a standard and healthy way to transport deciduous trees for planting.
• Q: When is the best time to plant a hackberry tree? A: The best time to plant bare root Hackberry trees is in early spring, after the last frost but before new growth begins, or in late fall after the leaves have dropped.
• Q: What USDA hardiness zones are suitable for the Hackberry? A: The Hackberry is very hardy and thrives in USDA Zones 3-9, making it suitable for a wide range of climates across the United States.
• Q: Can the berries from a hackberry tree be eaten? A: Yes, the berries are edible and have a sweet, date-like flavor. They are also a favorite food source for birds, contributing to its status as a wildlife friendly tree.
• Q: What kind of soil does the celtis occidentalis prefer? A: Hackberry trees are highly adaptable to various soil types, including clay, loam, and sand, as long as it is well-draining. They can even tolerate poor soil conditions.
• Q: How quickly does the hackberry tree grow? A: The Hackberry has a medium to fast growth rate, meaning you can expect it to establish and grow noticeably within a few years after planting.