Canyon Hackberry

Name: Canyon Hackberry
Brand: Outdoor Dream Builders

Celtis reticulata

A tough native shade tree prized for its wildlife value, producing berries that attract birds and mammals.

Very cold hardy to near 0°F and heat-tough, thriving from low to high desert.

AMWUA Notes

Moderate water; deep infrequent irrigation encourages the deep roots that make it drought resilient.

Care Guide

💧Watering

Deep-soak every 1-2 weeks in summer while young, then every 2-3 weeks once established; deep infrequent watering is best.

✂️Pruning

Prune in late winter to develop structure and remove deadwood; the wood is tough and durable.

🌱Fertilizing

Minimal; a light feeding is optional.

🛡️Pests

Hackberry nipple galls and occasional psyllids or woolly aphids are cosmetic.

☀️Seasonal Notes

Inconspicuous spring flowers (allergen pollen) yield fall berries for birds; deciduous in winter.

🪨Soil

Adaptable to most well-draining native soils; tolerates caliche, rocky ground, clay, and alkaline pH 7.5–8.5

💧Drainage

Needs moderate soil.

🌱Nutrient Needs

Low feeder.

🌰Propagation

Grown from cold-stratified seed; volunteers readily from bird-dropped berries

📐Spacing

20–25 ft

🌳Roots & Placement

Deep, tough taproot is foundation-safe at 15 ft; keep back from pools for berry and bird litter

•Broad 25 ft canopy for shade and wildlife; keep 15+ ft from pools and patios because of berry drop and heavy bird activity.
•Tough deep-rooted native that is foundation-safe at moderate distance and tolerates lawn or parking-lot edges.
•Full sun; a rugged choice for hot, exposed sites.
•Site away from patios if pollen allergies are a concern, as spring flowers are an allergen.