Description
Celtis laevigata
Also known as: Texas Sugarberry, Hackberry
An native, deciduous tree that are grown for their form, habit, sweet fruit, and their autumn yellow foliage. With ovate to lance-shaped, entire or sparsely toothed leaves, to 4 inch long, dark green and hairless above, pale and softly hairy on the veins beneath. The fruit is orange-red to blue black, very sweet and juicy and relished by birds. The common name Sugarberry is derived from the sweet taste of the fruits. In warm climates, grow in deep, fertile, well drained soil in sun or partial shade. In cooler areas, sugarberries thrive in dry soil and need a warm site in full sun.
Excellent nectar source for butterflies, and all so provides many butterfly species and important
Yearly Foliage: Deciduous
Hardiness Zone: 5-9
Light: Full sun to partial shade
Mature Growth: 30-40 feet high – 20-40 feet wide
Soil: deep fertile, average, sandy, but well drained
Blooms: Summer
Wildlife: Nectar-insects, Nectar-butterflies, Nectar-bees
Larval Host Plant for: Hackberry Emperor butterfly, Tawny Emperor butterfly, America Scout butterfly, Question Mark butterfly and the Mourning Clock butterfly