Where is Northern Hackberry native?

Northern Hackberry is native to a wide range of states across the United States, from Maine to Wyoming and south to Georgia and New Mexico.

When does Northern Hackberry bloom?

Northern Hackberry blooms in April and May, producing small inconspicuous flowers.

What pollinators visit Northern Hackberry?

Northern Hackberry attracts bees and beetles, which help pollinate its small spring flowers.

What growing conditions does Northern Hackberry prefer?

Northern Hackberry is very adaptable, tolerating full sun to partial sun and varying moisture levels from wet to dry soils.

Is Northern Hackberry toxic to livestock?

The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Northern Hackberry as toxic to livestock.

Is Northern Hackberry HOA-friendly?

Northern Hackberry is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with low maintenance.

Northern Hackberry

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Celtis occidentalis

Last reviewed: June 2026

Northern Hackberry (Celtis occidentalis) is a deciduous tree native across much of the United States, blooming in April and May. This adaptable species supports bees and beetles while tolerating various growing conditions.

The USDA PLANTS Database (opens in new tab) does not flag Northern Hackberry as toxic to livestock.

Light

full sun

Water

medium

Size

300"–600" H × 300"–600" W

Bloom

Apr, May

Native to

AL, AR, CO, CT and 34 more states

Pollinators

bees, beetles

Browse plants for this ecoregion

Central Oklahoma/Texas Plains Texas Blackland Prairies South Central Plains

Northern hackberry is a large native shade tree that grows 25-50 feet tall with an equal spread. It has a rounded crown and produces small inconspicuous flowers in spring followed by small purple berries in fall. The tree is very adaptable to different soil conditions and urban environments.

Growing Northern Hackberry

Grow Northern Hackberry in full sun and medium water. Mature plants reach 300 to 600 inches tall and spread 300 to 600 inches wide. Expect low maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.

In an HOA neighborhood

Northern Hackberry is an HOA-friendly choice. Maintenance level: low. Tidiness: 4 out of 5.

Works well in: front yard, street edge, mid zone.

Large mature size requires adequate space
May produce some berry drop in fall

Wildlife value

Host plant for hackberry butterfly, question mark butterfly.

This tree supports over 40 butterfly and moth species as a host plant, including hackberry emperor and mourning cloak butterflies. The berries provide food for many bird species throughout fall and winter.

Common questions

Where is Northern Hackberry native?: Northern Hackberry is native to a wide range of states across the United States, from Maine to Wyoming and south to Georgia and New Mexico.
When does Northern Hackberry bloom?: Northern Hackberry blooms in April and May, producing small inconspicuous flowers.
What pollinators visit Northern Hackberry?: Northern Hackberry attracts bees and beetles, which help pollinate its small spring flowers.
What growing conditions does Northern Hackberry prefer?: Northern Hackberry is very adaptable, tolerating full sun to partial sun and varying moisture levels from wet to dry soils.
Is Northern Hackberry toxic to livestock?: The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Northern Hackberry as toxic to livestock.
Is Northern Hackberry HOA-friendly?: Northern Hackberry is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with low maintenance.

Native range data from the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

Ready to grow Northern Hackberry? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

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