Common Hackberry vs Mustang Cherry Plum - TreeTime.ca

Common Hackberry vs Mustang Cherry Plum

Celtis occidentalis

Prunus x Jefchum

COMING SOON

(new stock expected: fall of 2026)

COMING SOON

(new stock expected: fall of 2026)

Common Hackberry
Mustang Cherry Plum

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.

Mustang Cherry Plum is a cherry-plum hybrid. They are known for their fragrant white flowers in spring and sweet fruit in late August. Mustang Cherry Plums are about one inch in diameter and they have a strong cherry taste. This plant is small enough to fit in moderately sized yards.

Because of Mustang Cherry Plum's genetics and cold hardiness, it is popular for grafting and as a rootstock.

For fruit production, it needs to be planted with another variety for cross-pollination. Canada Plum and American Plum are considered universal pollinizers.

Common Hackberry Quick Facts

Mustang Cherry Plum Quick Facts

Zone: 2b
Zone: 2a
Height: 25 m (82 ft)
Height: 2.1 m (7 ft)
Spread: 7 m (24 ft)
Spread: 1.5 m (5 ft)
Light: full sun
Light: full sun
Moisture: any
Moisture: normal
Growth rate: medium
Growth rate: medium
Life span: long
Life span: short
Suckering: high
Suckering: low


Berries: black, edible
Fruit size: 1 inch in diameter
Flavor: sweet
Flavor: sweet with red strong cherry taste
Harvest: late fall to winter
Hybrid: no
Hybrid: no
Catkins: no
Catkins: no


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