Outdoor Dream Builders

ROC #343460

treeArizona NativePool FriendlyPet FriendlyPollinator Plant

Canyon Hackberry

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, Feeding & Propagation

🪨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

Placement Tips

•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.

Features

Excellent wildlife treeAttracts birds and butterfliesBerries for mammalsBroad shade canopy

Best Uses

Shade treeWildlife habitatNative landscape

Ecological Value

Attracts

butterflies

Wildlife Value

birdsmammals

Companion Plants

tree

Native

Velvet Mesquite

Prosopis velutina

A quintessential Sonoran Desert shade tree with soft velvety foliage and deep roots that support a thriving wildlife community.

Very Low Waterfull sun

shrub

Native

Desert Hackberry

Celtis pallida

A large Arizona native shrub prized for its excellent wildlife value, providing food and shelter for birds and other wildlife.

Moderate Waterfull sun

shrub

Native

Wolfberry

Lycium fremontii

A Sonoran Desert native shrub with lavender summer blooms that attract butterflies and hummingbirds.

Low Waterfull sunPool Safe

grass

Native

Deer Grass

Muhlenbergia rigens

A fast-growing versatile native bunch grass with lush flower plumes that dries to an attractive tan.

Low Waterfull sunPool Safe

Quick Stats

Water NeedsModerate

Sun Exposurefull sun

Mature Size25 ft H × 25 ft W

Growth Ratemoderate

Maintenancemoderate

HardinessUSDA 9-11

FoliageDeciduous

Drainagemoderate

Bloom SeasonSpring

Bloom ColorGreen

Litter Levelseasonal

ThornsNone

Native RegionWestern US, Mexico

Design Styles

native habitatpollinator garden

Include in Your Project

Love Canyon Hackberry? Our landscape team sources from wholesale nurseries and can incorporate it into your design.

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Use this care guide to maintain your Canyon Hackberry. Questions about your landscape? Reach out anytime.

Data from 2024 AMWUA “Landscape Plants for the Arizona Desert” guide.

Canyon Hackberry — common questions

Answers for low-desert Phoenix conditions, drawn from this plant’s growing data.

How much water does Canyon Hackberry need in Phoenix?

Canyon Hackberry is a moderate-water tree once established. Deep-soak every 1-2 weeks in summer while young, then every 2-3 weeks once established; deep infrequent watering is best. Moderate water; deep infrequent irrigation encourages the deep roots that make it drought resilient.

How big does Canyon Hackberry get?

Expect roughly 25 ft tall and 25 ft wide at maturity, with a moderate growth rate. Allow about 20–25 ft of spacing when planting. Deep, tough taproot is foundation-safe at 15 ft; keep back from pools for berry and bird litter.

Can you plant Canyon Hackberry near a pool?

Yes. Canyon Hackberry is considered pool-friendly, meaning it stays clean enough around water features and hardscape. Litter is rated seasonal.

Can Canyon Hackberry handle Arizona heat and winter frost?

Canyon Hackberry is hardy in USDA 9-11 and wants full sun. Very cold hardy to near 0°F and heat-tough, thriving from low to high desert. Inconspicuous spring flowers (allergen pollen) yield fall berries for birds; deciduous in winter.

Does Canyon Hackberry have thorns?

No. Canyon Hackberry is thornless, so it is safe alongside walkways, patios and play areas.

Is Canyon Hackberry safe around pets?

Canyon Hackberry is listed as pet-friendly in this guide. If your dog is a determined chewer, check any new plant with your vet before planting.

When does Canyon Hackberry bloom in Arizona?

Canyon Hackberry blooms in spring, with green flowers. The bloom draws butterflies.

How much maintenance does Canyon Hackberry need?

Canyon Hackberry is moderate-maintenance. Leaf, flower and pod litter is rated seasonal. Prune in late winter to develop structure and remove deadwood; the wood is tough and durable.

What kind of soil does Canyon Hackberry need?

Adaptable to most well-draining native soils; tolerates caliche, rocky ground, clay, and alkaline pH 7.5–8.5. Nutrient needs are low. Minimal; a light feeding is optional.

Is Canyon Hackberry native to Arizona?

Yes. Canyon Hackberry is native to Arizona and to the Western US, Mexico, so it is adapted to local rainfall, soil and heat.