Minnesota Tree Care Advisors

Characteristics
Disease Management

Hackberry, a Minnesota native that is also a member of the Elm family (Ulmaceae).

Large tree height:		40-60'

Canopy spreads:		30-50', Rounded crown

Drought Tolerance:		Tolerant

Shade Tolerance:		Intermediate

Soil pH Tolerance:		Tolerant to high pH

Poor Soil Drainage:		Tolerant to flooding

Salt Tolerance:		Sensitive in tolerance to salt spray and sensitive to soil salts.

Hackberry is said to be immune to Dutch Elm Disease and is amenable to many conditions, including drought, flooding and pollution. The leaves are alternate and simple 2-5 inches in length with a long oval shape. They are serrated except at the base where they are smooth and uneven. Leaf color can vary from light to medium green above; paler and lightly hairy below. The buds are very small, oval, tight to the stem and chestnut brown. The bark has a very interesting coarse texture with warty projections. Flowers on this tree are small and greenish; it is mostly wind pollinated. The fruit is a drupe, which varies in color from red-orange, yellow to purple at maturity. The drupe tastes like a date; but "homeowner beware" it does have a pit and it can break a tooth! The birds like them.

This species is moderately shade tolerant and prefers rich bottom-land soil. A trunk diameter of 5 feet and heights of 100 feet are not unheard of, just maybe not in the homeowners life time! Hackberry develops a round spreading crown with drooping branches. It is a relatively fast growing tree.

In terms of disease and insects the tree is prone to powdery mildew, nipple gall and witches broom from the Eriphyid mite. Some cultivars are resistant to the mite and should be sought out.

Did you know
The tree has been in cultivation since 1636. It is easily transplanted and will grow just about anywhere. There are several new cultivars on the market: "Chicagoland", "Prairie Pride", and "Delta" from Canada. One may also encounter Celtis tenufolia, Dwarf Hackberry or Georgia Hackberry. This tree is referenced in Farrar but absent from Dirr. It is said to be hardy in Minnesota and it is a shrub or small tree with smaller leaves and fruit.

DISEASE		SYMPTOMS	MANAGEMENT
Witchesâ broom, fungus (Sphaerotheca phytoptophilia) - mite (Eriophyes celtis) association	Fungi	Clusters of spindly shoots on branches throughout crown.	Aesthetic problem. Brooms can be removed. CHEMICAL: Dormant season sulfur spray may be helpful.