Hackberry

Hackberry is a native shade tree that grows where fussier trees struggle. It shrugs off drought, wind, heat, alkaline and compacted soils, and road salt, which is why cities across Minnesota have planted it along boulevards in place of the elms they lost.

It forms a broad, rounded crown with an elm-like leaf, and its gray bark develops distinctive corky ridges with age. Small dark berries ripen in fall and feed birds through the winter. For a big, low-maintenance shade tree on a tough site, it’s one of the most dependable choices we grow.

Growing conditions

• Hardiness zone: 2
• Mature height: 40-60 feet
• Mature spread: 40-60 feet
• Growth rate: 1-2 feet per year
• Sun: Full sun to part shade
• Water: Dry to medium
• Fall color: Yellow
• Tolerates: Drought, wind, road salt, clay and alkaline soil