How much sun does Spiny Hackberry need?

Spiny Hackberry grows best in full sun conditions.

When does Spiny Hackberry bloom?

Spiny Hackberry blooms in March, April, and May.

Where is Spiny Hackberry native?

Spiny Hackberry (Celtis pallida) is native to AZ, NM, TX, per the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists.

What pollinators does Spiny Hackberry attract?

Spiny Hackberry draws butterflies, bees, and moths.

Is Spiny Hackberry HOA-friendly?

Spiny Hackberry takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Spiny Hackberry

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Celtis pallida

Last reviewed: July 2026

Light

full sun

Water

low

Size

120"–240" H × 96"–120" W

Bloom

Mar, Apr, May

Native to

AZ, NM, TX

Pollinators

butterflies, bees, moths

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 411 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

Chihuahuan Deserts Edwards Plateau Southern Texas Plains Texas Blackland Prairies East Central Texas Plains Western Gulf Coastal Plain Sonoran Basin and Range

Spiny Hackberry is a native Texas shrub that grows 10-20 feet tall with a spreading, somewhat irregular form. It produces small flowers in spring followed by orange to red berries that attract birds, though the thorny branches require careful placement.

In an HOA neighborhood

Spiny Hackberry takes more care to keep looking intentional in a front yard. Maintenance level: low. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

Works well in: backyard only.

Height exceeds typical HOA-friendly range

Wildlife value

This shrub supports butterflies, bees, and moths with its spring blooms. The berries provide food for birds, and it serves as a host plant for several butterfly species.

Common questions

How much sun does Spiny Hackberry need?: Spiny Hackberry grows best in full sun conditions.
When does Spiny Hackberry bloom?: Spiny Hackberry blooms in March, April, and May.
Where is Spiny Hackberry native?: Spiny Hackberry (Celtis pallida) is native to AZ, NM, TX, per the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists.
What pollinators does Spiny Hackberry attract?: Spiny Hackberry draws butterflies, bees, and moths.
Is Spiny Hackberry HOA-friendly?: Spiny Hackberry takes more care to look intentional in a front yard. Consider it for backyard or mid-zone beds rather than the street edge.

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

Add this plant to your garden

iPhone app Android app

Not sure where to start? Take the 2-minute yard quiz