Mon-Fri 9am - 5pm Mountain time
Common Hackberry vs Balsam Poplar
Celtis occidentalis
Populus balsamifera
The Common Hackberry is a medium-sized deciduous tree that resembles the American Elm but is immune to Dutch Elm Disease. They are versatile and can adapt to a variety of growing conditions.
It produces purple-red, berry-like fruit with a large seed in the center. Both the sweet flesh, which tastes similar to dates, and the crunchy seed are edible. The fruit remains on the tree throughout the winter, offering a valuable food source for birds and other wildlife.
The Common Hackberry can also be a great addition to a pollinator garden. The tree itself is a host for the larvae of several butterfly species and the flowers provide a source of pollen and nectar.
Balsam Poplar is a hardy, fast-growing deciduous tree that is Native to Canada east of the Rockies.
We grow them in two variations. Sometimes they are a male clones, so they don't produce fluff. Other times, we grow them from seed, which will result in fluff. The detailed descriptions (see below) will tell you which is which.
Common Hackberry Quick Facts
Balsam Poplar Quick Facts
In row spacing: 2.4 - 3 m (8 - 10 ft)