Common Hackberry
(Celtis occidentalis)

Other common names for this plant include American Hackberry

A relative of the Elm tree, Hackberry trees are adaptable to a wide range of light and moisture levels. Often planted for its purple-red fruit that attracts a wide variety of birds, Hackberry can be used as a native alternative for Chinese and Siberian Elms.

Read more about the use of Common Hackberry trees for butterfly gardening in a reprint of an article from Butterfly Gardener magazine: Caterpillar Food Plant: Hackberry

Importance as a butterfly nectar source:
Hackberry is used as a nectar source but it’s popularity varies by location.

Importance as a caterpillar food source:
Hackberry trees provide many butterfly species with caterpillar food. Although the activity is usually high above easy viewing levels, some guidelines for caterpillar identification are:

• Tawny Emperor caterpillars eggs are laid in large groups of 200 to 500 on Hackberry bark or leaves. The young caterpillars feed in large groups.
• Hackberry Emperor caterpillar eggs are laid in small groups ranging from one to twenty.
• American Snout caterpillar eggs are laid in small groups.
• Caterpillars of the Question Mark butterfly live alone on hackberry leaves.
• Mourning Cloak caterpillars live together in a web while eating Hackberry leaves.