Description
Celtis occidentalis ‘Prairie Sentinel’ ®, commonly known as Hackberry, is a distinctive cultivar of the native North American Hackberry tree celebrated for its tall, narrow, columnar form that makes it ideal for urban landscapes and tight spaces. This cultivar features tough, drought-tolerant characteristics and adapts well to a variety of soil types, including poor and compacted soils, which reflects its resilience in prairie and woodland environments. The tree produces small, inconspicuous flowers in spring followed by orange to red berries in late summer, which are a valuable food source for birds and wildlife. Its deeply ridged, corky bark adds visual interest year-round, especially in winter. Historically, Celtis occidentalis has been valued by Native Americans for its durable wood and edible fruit. ‘Prairie Sentinel’ has gained recognition for its suitability as a low-maintenance, urban-friendly shade tree with strong resistance to pests and diseases, making it a popular choice for sustainable landscape designs.