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: August 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.

Toxicity unknown

Northern Hackberry (Celtis occidentalis) is not listed by the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (opens in new tab) or the other sources we check, so we have no verdict for it either way. Absence from those lists is not a clearance. If your pet shows symptoms after eating any plant, call the ASPCA at (888) 426-4435.

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

Before you buy

Your city may pay you to plant this

Cities and water utilities offer rebates for replacing lawn with native and water-wise plants. We track 445 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.

Find rebates in your area

Browse plants for this ecoregion

Northwestern Forested Mountains High Plains Southwestern Tablelands Central Great Plains Great Plains Cross Timbers Texas Blackland Prairies South Central Plains Eastern Temperate Forests Ozark Highlands Central Irregular Plains Northwestern Glaciated Plains Northwestern Great Plains Piedmont Northern Glaciated Plains Western Corn Belt Plains Northern Forests Northern Lakes and Forests North Central Hardwood Forests Driftless Area Southeastern Wisconsin Till Plains Central Corn Belt Plains Eastern Corn Belt Plains Southern Michigan/Northern Indiana Drift Plains Huron/Erie Lake Plains Northeastern Highlands Northeastern Coastal Zone Northern Allegheny Plateau Middle Atlantic Coastal Plain Northern Piedmont Southeastern Plains Blue Ridge Ridge and Valley Central Appalachians Western Allegheny Plateau Interior Plateau Interior River Valleys and Hills Mississippi Alluvial Plain Mississippi Valley Loess Plains Southern Coastal Plain Eastern Great Lakes Lowlands Atlantic Coastal Pine Barrens

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.

These answers were drafted with an AI model from this plant's data. Verify care details with a local expert.

Native range data from vouchered herbarium specimen records 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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