Common Hackberry vs Norway Maple - TreeTime.ca

Common Hackberry vs Norway Maple

Celtis occidentalis

Acer platanoides

COMING SOON

(new stock expected: fall of 2025)

CUSTOM GROW

Common Hackberry
Norway Maple

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.

Norway Maple is a tolerant and adaptable shade tree. This is probably why it is the most popularly planted boulevard tree in North America.

Note: Norway Maple will sucker with age. It's also not a good idea to plant it under power lines.

Common Hackberry Quick Facts

Norway Maple Quick Facts

Zone: 2b
Zone: 3a
Height: 25 m (82 ft)
Height: 25 m (82 ft)
Spread: 7 m (24 ft)
Spread: 12 m (39 ft)
Light: full sun
Light: full sun
Moisture: any
Moisture: normal
Growth rate: medium
Growth rate: medium
Life span: long
Life span: long
Suckering: high
Suckering: none


Fall colour: golden yellow
Berries: black, edible
Flavor: sweet
Harvest: late fall to winter
Seeds: located within the winged samaras
Hybrid: no
Hybrid: no
Catkins: no
Catkins: no


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