Western
HackberryWestern
HackberryThis medium tree provides dense shade in summer. The leaves are very rough, almost like sandpaper and late to come out in the spring. The Western Hackberry has an irregular branching form that becomes more regular with age. The gray trunk has an odd growth form. Grows naturally in washes. It is slow to establish, but then grows quickly to 25 to 30 feet high and wide.
Tolerant of heat and cold. Hardy to about 10F.
Moderate irrigation or ample deep soakings in spring and summer, especially in areas with less than ten inches of annual rainfall.
Full to reflected sun.
Tolerant, but prefers loose sandy soil with some depth.
Periodic in garden situations.
Reseeds profusely where there is some concentration of moisture. In periods of drought, tree dies back, becomes sparse and unkempt.
Insignificant spring flowers bloom June to August.
Orange to purple berries in late summer into winter are a very important food source for native birds.
Shade tree for summer on east or south side. Specimen tree. Parks, playgrounds or lawns. A larval food plant for caterpillars.
Native to Southwest and northern Mexico at elevations from 2,500 to 6,000 feet. Member of the Ulmaceae family.
Native, Desert Transitional, Oriental, Informal, Bird.