Spiny Hackberry
Celtis pallida
Last reviewed: October 2026
Toxicity unknown
Spiny Hackberry (Celtis pallida) 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.
Light
full sun
Water
low
Size
120"–240" H × 96"–120" W
Bloom
Mar, Apr, May
Native to
AZ, FL, 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 460 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.
Find rebates in your areaPicture natives in your own yard
Upload a photo of your yard and Patch Vision shows a rendering of it planted with natives for your region, like Spiny Hackberry.
Browse plants for this ecoregion
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, FL, NM, TX, per the World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew).
- 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 World Checklist of Vascular Plants (Kew). Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.
If something looks wrong
Common plant problems, and what to check first
These come up on almost any plant. Each guide lists the likely causes in the order they are worth ruling out, with one thing to check before you act on any of them, and links to the source it came from.
- It is dying right after planting
- Leaves turning yellow
- Wilting even though I watered it
- Brown crispy leaf tips
- Bugs on the plant
Ready to grow Spiny Hackberry? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.