SafePlants

Sugarberry (Celtis laevigata)

Sugarberry, also known as Southern Hackberry or Sugar Hackberry, is a medium-sized tree native to North America.

Considerations for Pets and Children

• The text mentions that hackberries, including sugarberry, were traditionally used as food. This might be of interest if considering whether pets or children might be tempted to eat the berries.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Celtis laevigata Willd.
• Common Names: Sugarberry, Southern Hackberry, Sugar Hackberry
• Family: Ulmaceae (Elm Family)
• Synonyms: Texas Sugarberry, Lowland Hackberry, Palo Blanco

Distribution and Habitat

• Native to North America, particularly the southern United States and northern Mexico.
• Often found near rivers and in bottomland forests.
• Commonly found on clay soils of broad flats or shallow sloughs.
• Also occurs in drier areas over calcareous rock with relatively high pH soil.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

• A medium-sized tree of moderate to fast growth.
• Open-grown sugarberries commonly reach 50 to 70 feet in height with a similar spread.
• Deciduous tree.

Ecological Role

• A common large overstory tree of bottomland forests.