Sugarberry

© Chris Evans, River to River CWMA, Bugwood.org

Celtis laevigata

Alternate Name: Hackberry

Family: (Fagaceae) Beech

Habitat: Coastal plains

Height: 60-80 ft.

Bloom Period: February - April

Description: Fast growing. Leaves are rough and sandpapery to the touch. The smooth bark is marked with rough, wart-like patches.

The Wildlife Connection: The berries, which are slightly sweet, are eaten by a number of bird species. Trees provide important nesting sites. Larval host to hackberry butterflies (hackberry emperor and tawny emperor), including the Io moth.

Propagation Tips: Plants readily reseed on their own and grow very quickly.