Other Names:  Western Hackberry, Netleaf Sugar Hackberry

Description:

A small-sized deciduous tree or large shrub with leathery, net-veined green leaves with yellowish undersides; has a spreading habit that can be quite scraggly; interesting bark with corky ridges, looks quite beautiful with age

Ornamental Features

Netleaf Hackberry is primarily grown for its highly ornamental fruit. The fruits are showy brick red drupes with plum purple overtones and which fade to black over time, which are carried in abundance in early fall. The fruit can be messy if allowed to drop on the lawn or walkways, and may require occasional clean-up. It has rich green foliage with chartreuse undersides. The textured pointy leaves turn buttery yellow in fall. The warty gray bark adds an interesting dimension to the landscape.

Landscape Attributes

Netleaf Hackberry is a multi-stemmed deciduous tree with an upright spreading habit of growth. Its relatively coarse texture can be used to stand it apart from other landscape plants with finer foliage.

This tree will require occasional maintenance and upkeep, and is best pruned in late winter once the threat of extreme cold has passed. It is a good choice for attracting birds, bees and butterflies to your yard. Gardeners should be aware of the following characteristic(s) that may warrant special consideration;

• Insects

Netleaf Hackberry is recommended for the following landscape applications;

• Mass Planting
• Hedges/Screening
• Windbreaks and Shelterbelts

Planting & Growing

Netleaf Hackberry will grow to be about 35 feet tall at maturity, with a spread of 30 feet. It has a low canopy with a typical clearance of 2 feet from the ground, and should not be planted underneath power lines. It grows at a slow rate, and under ideal conditions can be expected to live for 80 years or more.

This tree should only be grown in full sunlight. It prefers dry to average moisture levels with very well-drained soil, and will often die in standing water. It is considered to be drought-tolerant, and thus makes an ideal choice for xeriscaping or the moisture-conserving landscape. This plant does not require much in the way of fertilizing once established. It is not particular as to soil type or pH, and is able to handle environmental salt. It is highly tolerant of urban pollution and will even thrive in inner city environments. This species is native to parts of our region.