Common Hackberry vs Ironwood Tree - TreeTime.ca

Common Hackberry vs Ironwood Tree

Ostrya virginiana

Celtis occidentalis

NOT AVAILABLE THIS SEASON - MIGHT RETURN

COMING SOON

(new stock expected: fall of 2026)

Ironwood Tree
Common Hackberry

Ironwood Tree is one of the strongest and most resilient trees you will find in North America. In fact, it has the hardest and most dense wood of any North American tree. Prized for its oval shaped canopy and showy winter trunk, this striking shade tree will make a beautiful addition to any yard. Make sure you do not plant near roads as it is highly salt sensitive.

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.

Ironwood Tree Quick Facts

Common Hackberry Quick Facts

Zone: 3a
Zone: 2b
Height: 8 m (25 ft)
Height: 25 m (82 ft)
Spread: 6 m (20 ft)
Spread: 7 m (24 ft)
Light: any
Light: full sun
Moisture: any
Moisture: any
Growth rate: slow
Growth rate: medium
Life span: long
Life span: long
Suckering: none
Suckering: high


Berries: black, edible
Flavor: sweet
Harvest: late fall to winter
Hybrid: no
Hybrid: no
Catkins: yes
Catkins: no


Native to: ON, QC, NS, NB, PE
Native to: MB, ON, QC
Other Names: american hackberry, beaverwood, false elm, nettle tree, northern hackberry