Skip to main content

Omaha tree guide

Common hackberry

Celtis occidentalis

Nebraska Forest Service says common hackberry is suitable throughout the state and useful in streets, yards, and parks.

Sources checked: 2026-08-02Next source review: 2027-02-02Independent professional review: not completed

What this page can tell you

How to recognize this kind of tree

This profile is common hackberry, Celtis occidentalis.

These species-level facts cannot diagnose the condition of one particular tree, prove that work is needed, or determine whether it is hazardous.

What to look for

  • Young bark has bumpy wart-like texture that develops cork-like ridges; leaves are dark green and small berry-like fruit turns purple or reddish-brown in autumn.
  • Nebraska Forest Service lists a typical mature height and spread of 50–70 feet.

What changes by season

Use whatever features are available now. Missing leaves, flowers, fruit, or pods often just means the timing is wrong—not that the tree cannot be a match.

When leaves are on

Compare alternate leaves or buds staggered along the twig, one leaf blade per stem, toothed, elm-like leaves, and oval leaves with toothed edges. Use more than one feature and do not force a match from leaf shape alone.

When leaves are off or hard to see

Compare warty or cork-like ridges, a rounded tree, and a broad spreading tree. Bark and overall shape can help narrow it down, but neither confirms the species by itself.

When fruit or seeds are present

small dark berry-like fruit can provide another useful clue. Not seeing them may simply reflect season, age, sex, or variety.

Typical mature size

Nebraska Forest Service lists a typical mature height and spread of 50–70 feet.

Similar Omaha trees

These are the closest lookalikes among the 10 common local trees in this guide. Other species can still look similar.

Callery pear (including ‘Bradford’)

Pyrus calleryana

These trees can look similar in how the leaves or buds attach, whether the leaf is simple or compound, and leaf shape. Check bark and fruit or seeds next instead of relying on the name or one photograph.

View that tree profile

American elm (species only)

Ulmus americana

These trees can look similar in how the leaves or buds attach, whether the leaf is simple or compound, and leaf shape. Check bark, fruit or seeds, and overall tree shape next instead of relying on the name or one photograph.

View that tree profile

Important Omaha-area context

Nebraska Forest Service notes that poorly attached branches can split in ice storms; this is a structural possibility, not a conclusion about a particular tree.

This does not prove that a particular tree is infested, diseased, structurally unsound, or in need of removal.

What to consider for an individual tree

Inspect the individual tree for actual cracks, splitting, or recently broken branches after storms before choosing a safety route.

Site conditions and observable branch structure should guide individual-tree review.

Sources