Sugarberry | Celtis laevigata | The Morton Arboretum

Family (English) Hemp (formerly Elm)
Family (botanic) Cannabaceae (formerly Ulmacaeae)
Planting site City parkway, Residential and parks, Wide median
Tree or plant type Tree
Foliage Deciduous (seasonally loses leaves)
Native locale Illinois, North America
Size range Large tree (more than 40 feet)
Mature height 40-60 feet
Mature width 40-60 feet
Light exposure Full sun (6 hrs direct light daily), Partial sun / shade (4-6 hrs light daily), Full shade (4 hrs or less of light daily)
Hardiness zones Zone 5 (Northern Illinois), Zone 6 (City of Chicago), Zone 7, Zone 8, Zone 9
Soil preference Moist, well-drained soil, Wet soil
Drought tolerance Moderately tolerant
Other tolerances Alkaline soil, clay soil, Dry sites, Occasional flooding, Road salt, Wet sites
Season of interest early winter, midwinter, late winter
Flower color and fragrance Inconspicuous
Shape or form Round
Growth rate Fast
Transplants well Yes
Planting considerations Excessive sucker growth, May be difficult to find in nurseries
Wildlife Game birds, Sapsuckers, Songbirds
Has cultivars Yes

More Information

Size and Form

Sugarberry’s mature height and width is 40 to 60 feet with a round form.

Native Geographic Location and Habitat

It is a native to the southern part of the United States. It is commonly found in low, wet sites.

Pollinators and Wildlife

It attracts songbirds, sapsuckers, and game birds.

Bark Description

Although the bark shows some of the wartiness of the related species common hackberry, it is overall much smoother.

Leaf Description

Simple, alternate leaves are 2 to 4 inches long with simple, ovate to egg-shaped smooth surfaces. The leaf margin is finely toothed or entire. Leaves look similar to elm leaves. Fall color is an unremarkable yellow.