Celtis reticulata

Common Names

Netleaf Hackberry, Palo Blanco, Western Hackberry, Acibuche, Netleaf Sugar Hackberry, Douglas Hackberry, Hackberry, Paloblanco, Sugar Hackberry, Texas Sugarberry

Summary

Netleaf hackberry is a deciduous shrub or small tree native to western North America, commonly found on dry hills, ravine banks, and rocky outcrops at elevations around 300–2300 m. It forms a rounded to scraggly crown with gray bark that develops corky ridges; leaves are dark green, ovate with net-like venation and a rough texture; flowers are inconspicuous and fruit is a small orange-red to purple drupe that is edible and persists into fall. It is drought-tolerant once established and provides wildlife habitat.

Preferring full sun and well-drained soils, it tolerates drought and variable moisture conditions once established, making it suitable for drought-tolerant and native landscapes. It is hardy to USDA zones 4–10 and can be propagated by seed with cold stratification or by softwood cuttings; practical uses include shade, wildlife habitat, riparian restoration, and erosion stabilization.

Lifecycle

Perennial

Height

20-50 ft

Spread

25-60 ft

Hardiness Zones

Zones 5-9

Sunlight Requirements

Ideally full sun; tolerates partial shade.

Soil Type

Well-drained loamy soil

Soil Drainage

Well-drained

Soil pH

6.0-8.0, Broad pH range; tolerates both acidic and alkaline soils

Bloom Color

Insignificant

Bloom Time

Spring

Foliage Color

Green

Fall Foliage Color

Yellow, Yellow-brown

Leaf Lifecycle

Deciduous

Growth Rate

Moderate to slow-growing

Seasons of Interest

Spring

Propagation Methods

Seeds and Cuttings

Attracts Wildlife

Attracts bees, butterflies, other pollinators, and birds.