Celtis occidentalis
common hackberry, sugarberry, nettletree

Family: Ulmaceae
Regions: Coastal Plain, Mountain, Piedmont
States: DE, DC, MD, NY, PA, VA, WV
Plant Types: Tall Tree (Canopy)
Height: 40 - 100ft; Spread: 40 - 100ft
Spread Rate: Medium
Flower Color: yellow green, brown tint
Fruit: Berry; purple brown
Sun Exposure: Full Sun, Partial Sun, Shade
Soil Texture: Clay, Loamy, Sandy
Soil Moisture: Dry, Flooded, Moist, Wet
Fall Color: yellow
Habitat: drainage basins, mature floodplains, wooded slopes or high rocky limestone bluffs bordering streams, windbreaks
Notes: butterfly larval host; drought tolerant; tolerates occasional flooding; saplings can sprout in deep shade, common on limestone soils
WHY NATIVES
Rain washes chemicals and fertilizers into our streams, rivers and, ultimately, the Chesapeake Bay. Once in our waterways, these pollutants fuel the growth of excess algae, which clouds the water and threatens the health of fish, crabs and the entire Chesapeake Bay.
One of the easiest ways for us to reduce our pollution contribution to the Chesapeake Bay is to replace some of our lawn and typical landscapes with native plants. Native plants have occurred in our region for hundreds of years and are accustomed to local sun, soil, and climate.
By picking native plants that suit local conditions, you can reduce or eliminate the need for fertilizers, pesticides and watering. This also saves time and money. Native plants also provide food and cover for local wildlife like butterflies, birds, frogs, turtle and small mammals.
You can find native plants with the same shape, color, size or other characteristics as some of your favorite non-native plants to create attractive and more natural landscapes right in your own yard.