Celtis laevigata
Sugarberry, Southern or Sugar Hackberry

Mature Height: 60-100'     Longevity: 150 years

 Celtis laevigata leaf. Celtis laevigata character art.
   

3-8 Water Range
Soil moisture tolerated by tree

5-9 Temperature Range
Hardiness Zones in which tree naturally occurs.

DEFENSE     Soil Moisture Key
3: Tree is most common in wet areas but most references indicate occassional presence in uplands. Ability to tolerate wide range of soil conditions also noted.

8: Common in wet areas but only weakly tolerant of flooding. Indication that tree prefers well drained soils & can tolerate flooding up to 10% of growing season.

DEFENSE (from Distribution Maps)
National Audubon Society (NAS) Map: (NORTH) Z5 prominence not as significant but still warrants Z5 inclusion. (SOUTH) Same as PFG.

Peterson Field Guide (PFG) Map: (NORTH) Significant intrusion into Z5 in Illinois & Missouri. (SOUTH) solid through Z10 in Florida.


   

6   Sun Strength

7   Shade Strength

DEFENSE
Growth Rate:
Succession:
Soil Range:
Salt Tol.:
Allelopath:
Avg Height:
Max Height:

Click here for Key
5.7 = moderate to rapid
0 = not typical pioneer
0 = 1 Major & 1 Minor
0 = Conflict
0 = No
+.1 = 80 feet
0 = 100 feet

DEFENSE
Shade Tol.:
Succession:
Soil Range:
Salt Tol.:
Allelopath:
Avg Height:
Longevity:

Click here for Key
7 = Tolerant
+.3 =occasional climax(wet)
0 = 1 Major & 1 Minor
0 = Conflict
0 = No
+.1 = 80'
-.3 = 150 years

TOTAL SCORE (5.8): Soil range score not reduced because of multiple reports of wide range of soil tolerance.

TOTAL SCORE (7.1): Tree is shade tolerant but not a climax specialist. Short lifespan ensures solid 7 value.


   

2   Fire Strength

2   Wind Strength

DEFENSE
Base Score: none-low (Big Tree) = 2-3
Fire Effects (FEIS) database identifies tree as very susceptible to fire. Morphology of tree and occurrence in typically wet areas supports report. Assign lowest Big Tree value.
Final Value = 2

DEFENSE
Base Score: none-low (Big Tree) = 1-2
Tree has average resistance to windthrow despite lack of taproot. Wood is soft and of moderate strength with multiple indications that tree is susceptible to limb loss from ice and storms. Since not totally vulnerable to wind will assign second lowest value.
Final Value = 2