SafePlants

Sugarberry (Celtis laevigata)

The Celtis laevigata, commonly known as Sugarberry, is a deciduous tree with several other common names, including Hackberry, Lowland Hackberry, Palo Blanco, Southern Hackberry, and Texas Sugarberry.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Celtis laevigata Willd.
• Family: Ulmaceae (Elm Family)
• Synonyms: Celtis laevigata var. texana Sarg., Celtis laevigata var. laevigata
• Alternative Scientific Names: Celtis reticulata (Netleaf Hackberry)

Considerations for Pets

• The plant produces seeds that ripen in October. Small parts such as seeds might present a choking hazard.

Distribution and Habitat

• Sugarberry's range extends from the Eastern United States west to Texas and south to northeastern Mexico. It is also found on the island of Bermuda.
• It's a common large overstory tree of bottomland forests.
• The Texan Sugarberry grows from New Mexico covering six more middle states to Illinois.
• Three species of Hackberry grow in the South Texas Plains.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

• Celtis laevigata is a deciduous tree growing to 18 m (59ft 1in) at a medium rate.
• A very common, large tree to 90 feet tall and a trunk 2 feet or more in diameter, though usually smaller in stature, with a round or oval crown of light green foliage.
• It is hardy to zone (UK) 5.
• It is in flower in April, and the seeds ripen in October.

Quirky Facts

• Sugarberry is sometimes described as "short lived," though the text doesn't specify how long it typically lives.
• It is grown for their form, habit, sweet fruit.