Common Hackberry vs Water Birch (Red Birch) - TreeTime.ca

Common Hackberry vs Water Birch (Red Birch)

Betula occidentalis

Celtis occidentalis

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Common Hackberry

Water Birch, also known as Red Birch, is a waterside plant native to western North America. This multi-stemmed species is ideal for wetlands. It tolerates being planted in heavy clay and wet soil conditions.

This tree grows small enough for yards with limited space.

It is an attractive ornamental with reddish non-peeling bark.

Note: Unfortunately this difficult to grow species is not currently scheduled to grow at TreeTime.ca. Perhaps try purchasing seed from SeedTime.ca and growing your own? Or sign up for a restock notification above.

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.

Water Birch (Red Birch) Quick Facts

Common Hackberry Quick Facts

Zone: 4a
Zone: 2b
Height: 12 m (40 ft)
Height: 25 m (82 ft)
Spread: 8 m (25 ft)
Spread: 7 m (24 ft)
Moisture: normal, wet
Moisture: any
Light: partial shade, full sun
Light: full sun
Hybrid: no
Hybrid: no
Catkins: yes
Catkins: no
Berries: black, edible
Flavor: sweet
Harvest: late fall to winter
Bark: non-peeling, shiny, reddish brown and marked with white horizontal streaks
Growth rate: medium
Growth rate: medium
Life span: medium
Life span: long
Suckering: low
Suckering: high




Other Names: red birch
Other Names: american hackberry, beaverwood, false elm, nettle tree, northern hackberry