Common hackberry

Celtis occidentalis L.

Zones: 3a to 9b per NC State Plant Toolbox; USDA 3A to 9B per UF/IFAS

Pet & Human Safety

People: Not researchedPets: Not on the ASPCA lists as we read them

Hazardous parts

Not yet checked.

Preparation

n/a

Hazard type

Not yet checked.

Hazard route

Not yet checked.

How complete this information is

We have not researched the safety of this plant yet.

Toxic to pets

No ASPCA entry found.

Dogs, cats, horses: no source makes a pet toxicity statement. NC State has no poison severity line for this plant.

PlotAndPetal cannot tell you whether a plant you found can be eaten. Only someone who can see the plant can identify it.

Poison control

If someone has collapsed, cannot be woken, is having a seizure or has trouble breathing, call 911 now. For any other possible poisoning, call Poison Help: 1-800-222-1222.

Emergency number source: U.S. federal law (47 U.S.C. § 251(e)(3)), read 2026-10-07.

Naturalist Lore

Historical Background & Breeding Lore

The history of this plant and its name, and how it was bred, where we have them.

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Care

Hardiness zones: USDA 3a to 9b per NC State Plant Toolbox; USDA 3A to 9B per UF/IFAS
Light: Full sun to part shade.
Water needs: low
Mature size: US: NC State: 40 to 100 ft tall (12 to 30 m) and 40 to 60 ft wide (12 to 18 m) in the quick facts; the text says 40 to 60 ft tall and wide, up to 130 ft in ideal conditions. UF/IFAS: 45 to 80 ft tall (14 to 24 m) and 40 to 50 ft wide (12 to 15 m).; CA: Guelph Arboretum: up to 15 m (49 ft) tall, trunk about 50 cm (20 in) across.
Where it comes from: NC State: Canada south to Florida and west to the south central states, often in bottomlands with limestone rich soil; sparse in coastal and Piedmont North Carolina. Guelph Arboretum: southern Ontario and Quebec.

Soil & Drainage

Pruning & Flush Rhythm

Feeding Schedule

How to prepare the soil, when and what to feed, and how and when to prune where that applies.

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