Celtis occidentalis Prairie Pride

Hackberry

A selected cultivar of common hackberry valued for its strong central leader, uniform branching, and improved form. ‘Prairie Pride’ retains the rugged adaptability of the species while offering a cleaner canopy and better structure for landscape and street use. Medium-green leaves turn clear yellow in fall, and small dark purple-black fruits persist into winter, providing important wildlife food.

Size: 35–50 ft wide × 45–60 ft tall

Zones: 3a–9b
Light: Full sun to partial shade
Soil: Highly adaptable; tolerates clay, loam, sand, compacted and alkaline soils
Water: Moderate; drought tolerant once established

Suitable Conditions:



Climate: Performs reliably in cold winters and hot summers



Exposure: Tolerates wind, heat, and urban stress



Soil pH: Adaptable; performs well in neutral to alkaline soils



Drainage: Prefers well-drained soils but tolerates periodic wetness



Spacing: Allow adequate room for mature canopy spread, especially along streets or large lawns



Notes:



Shape: Upright, symmetrical oval to rounded crown with strong central leader



Improved branch structure over seed-grown hackberry



Excellent urban and street tree with high stress tolerance



Strong wildlife value; fruit attracts birds



Leaf galls may occur but are purely cosmetic

Plant type

Shade Tree

Height

40-50'

Width

40'

Hardiness zones

3–9

Sunlight

Full Sun

Growth rate

Moderate

Bloom time

Spring

Leaf color

Dark Green

Fall color

Buff

Soil

Clay, Moist well-drained

Shape

Rounded

Bark

Corky

Fruit

Yes

Drought tolerant

No