Hackberry is a Chicago-area native and a sturdy, tolerant shade tree for parkways, parks, and other large areas. Its fleshy, purple-brown berries ripen in late summer and persist through winter. The persistent fruits attract many birds that also find the tree to be a suitable nesting site.
This species is native to the Chicago region according to Swink and Wilhelm’s Plants of the Chicago Region, with updates made according to current research.
- Family (English) Hemp (formerly Elm)
- Family (botanic) Cannabaceae (formerly Ulmacaeae)
- Planting site City parkway, Residential and parks, Restricted sites, Wide median
- Tree or plant type Tree
- Foliage Deciduous (seasonally loses leaves)
- Native locale Chicago area, Illinois, North America
- Size range Large tree (more than 40 feet)
- Mature height 40-60 feet
- Mature width 40-50 feet
- Light exposure Full sun (6 hrs direct light daily), Partial sun / shade (4-6 hrs light daily)
- Hardiness zones Zone 2, Zone 3, Zone 4, Zone 5 (Northern Illinois), Zone 6 (City of Chicago), Zone 7, Zone 8, Zone 9
- Soil preference Alkaline soil, Moist, well-drained soil
- Tolerances Alkaline soil, clay soil, Dry sites, Occasional drought, Occasional flooding, Road salt, Wet sites
- Season of interest early winter, midwinter, late winter, early fall, mid fall, late fall
- Flower color and fragrance Inconspicuous
- Shape or form Oval, Round, Vase-shaped
- Growth rate Fast, Moderate
- Transplants well Yes
- Planting considerations Highly susceptible to ice damage, Weak wood and branch structure
- Wildlife Cavity-nesting birds, Game birds, Game mammals, Migrant birds, Songbirds
- Has cultivars Yes
