Sugar Hackberry

Also known as: Sugarberry, Southern hackberry, Lowland hackberry, Texas sugarberry

Celtis laevigata is a medium to large deciduous tree with an open, rounded crown and a moderately fast growth rate. The smoothish grey bark becomes slightly corky and furrowed with age. Leaves are alternate, ovate to lanceolate, with a noticeably asymmetrical base, finely serrated margins and a soft light-green appearance. Small greenish flowers appear in spring, followed by small globose orange-brown drupes with sweet, edible flesh. It is valued for its fine-textured summer foliage, yellow autumn colour, and exceptional toughness in urban and riparian settings.

Sugar Hackberry

Scientific classification

Species: Sugar Hackberry (Celtis laevigata)
Genus: Information to be completed
Family: Cannabaceae

Non-toxic to humans and pets.
Toxicity: Tree
Plant type: 12 - 20 metres
Height: 10 - 15 metres
Spread: Deciduous
Foliage: Spreading
Habit: Spring · Summer · Autumn
Season of interest: Full sun · Partial shade
Sunlight: Information to be completed
Ideal temperature

Sugar Hackberry pictures

Information to be completed

Distribution of Sugar Hackberry

Distribution map

Southeastern and south-central United States, northeastern Mexico

Information to be completed

Culture

Information to be completed

Toxicity

Non-toxic to humans and pets.

Quick identification of Sugar Hackberry

Information to be completed

Sugar Hackberry care guide

Water young trees regularly until established; mature trees are drought tolerant.
Watering: Full sun · Partial shade
Sunlight: Information to be completed
Ideal temperature

Watering

Water young trees regularly until established; mature trees are drought tolerant.

Fertilizing

Once a year in early spring, only if needed

Pruning

Prune in late winter to remove dead, diseased or crossing branches. Minimal corrective pruning is enough to maintain a strong structure.

Propagation

Sow ripe fruits outdoors in autumn, or clean the seeds and cold-stratify for 2–3 months before sowing in spring. Softwood cuttings may be taken in early summer under mist and bottom heat, although seed propagation is the most reliable. Keep the rooting medium moist at about 18–21°C.

Growing

Grow in a sheltered open position in full sun or partial shade, ideally in moist but well-drained soil. It adapts well to clay, sandy and alkaline soils and can cope with occasional flooding or drought once established. Water young trees regularly for the first two growing seasons to encourage deep rooting. Apply a balanced slow-release fertiliser in early spring only if growth is poor or the soil is infertile. Prune only to remove dead, diseased or crossing branches in winter.

More growing and care information →