Prairie Sentinel® Hackberry

Height: 45–50 ft

Spread: 12–15 ft

Hardiness: USDA Zones 3–8

Fall Color: Soft yellow.

Soil Type: Very adaptable. Tolerates clay, alkaline soils, and compact urban soils. Handles drought, wind, and periodic flooding. Prefers well-drained loam but thrives in nearly any soil type.

Exposure Type: Full sun. Very high tolerance of heat, cold, wind, and urban exposures.

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Description

Celtis occidentalis ‘JFS‑KSU1’ / Prairie Sentinel® Hackberry

Planting Points: A superior columnar selection of native hackberry—ideal where vertical form is needed. Extremely tough and resilient, performing well in harsh urban, prairie, and exposed conditions. Resistant to common hackberry issues like nipple gall. Once established, it is highly drought‑tolerant and wind‑firm. Fast to moderate growth rate, maintains a dense, upright crown with little pruning. Low maintenance rarely needs structural work thanks to strong central leader. Produces small berry-like drupes that feed wildlife but are not messy. Excellent replacement for columnar ash or elm lost to pests.

Siting This Tree: Perfect for narrow boulevards, parkways, and tight urban plantings. Works well in residential yards where height is desired, but width must be limited. Great for screens, vertical accents, or to frame entries and driveways. Thrives in prairie winds, open fields, and challenging soils. Ideal for cities and tough sites: drought, salt, pollution, and compaction tolerant.