Sugar Hackberry
Celtis laevigata
Last reviewed: June 2026
Sugar Hackberry (Celtis laevigata) is a native deciduous tree found across the southeastern and south-central United States. It blooms in April and May, attracting bees and beetles as pollinators.
The USDA PLANTS Database (opens in new tab) does not flag Sugar Hackberry as toxic to livestock.
Light
full sun
Water
medium
Size
240"–600" H × 240"–480" W
Bloom
Apr, May
Native to
AL, AR, FL, GA and 17 more states
Pollinators
bees, beetles
Browse plants for this ecoregion
Sugar hackberry is a large deciduous shade tree that grows 20-50 feet tall with a broad, rounded crown. It produces small flowers in spring followed by small berries that wildlife enjoy. This adaptable tree tolerates various soil conditions and provides excellent shade for larger landscapes.
Growing Sugar Hackberry
Grow Sugar Hackberry in full sun and medium water. Mature plants reach 240 to 600 inches tall and spread 240 to 480 inches wide. Expect low maintenance to keep it looking intentional in a front yard.
In an HOA neighborhood
Sugar Hackberry is an HOA-friendly choice. Maintenance level: low. Tidiness: 4 out of 5.
Works well in: front yard, street edge, mid zone.
- Very large mature size may not suit smaller yards
- Berries can create minor cleanup needs
Wildlife value
Host plant for hackberry butterfly, question mark butterfly.
The spring flowers attract bees and beetles for pollination. The small berries feed numerous bird species, and the tree serves as a host plant for butterfly larvae.
Common questions
- Where is Sugar Hackberry native to?
- Sugar Hackberry is native to 22 states across the southeastern and south-central United States, including Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Missouri, Mississippi, North Carolina, New Mexico, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, and West Virginia.
- When does Sugar Hackberry bloom?
- Sugar Hackberry blooms in April and May, producing small inconspicuous flowers that attract pollinators.
- What pollinators visit Sugar Hackberry?
- Sugar Hackberry attracts bees and beetles as its primary pollinators during its spring blooming period.
- What growing conditions does Sugar Hackberry prefer?
- Sugar Hackberry is adaptable to various conditions but grows best in full sun with medium water availability. It can tolerate partial sun and varying moisture levels from low to high.
- Is Sugar Hackberry toxic to livestock?
- The USDA PLANTS Database does not flag Sugar Hackberry as toxic to livestock.
- Is Sugar Hackberry HOA-friendly?
- Sugar 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 Sugar Hackberry? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.
Not sure where to start? Take the 2-minute yard quiz