Sugarberry

Celtis laevigata

Size: 3 Gallon Availability

Tree
Max size: 70′ tall

Occasional Moist, Moist to Dry
Clay, Loam, Sand
Full Sun, Part Shade

A heavy drinker, this tree does not handle being dry for too long- preferring instead for its roots to stay moist. While it is a heavy drinker, it does not like standing water, instead opting for well draining soil. Moist sandy soils or planting in the middle of a slope can help increase the longevity of this plant which can be around 150 years!

A great tree with many uses, the Sugarberry provides food to humans and wildlife alike! The fall fruit is rather tiny but packs a sweet punch with a flavor sometimes compared to dates. The fruit tends to be red to purple in color, though under certain conditions they can appear brown.

A variety of wildlife consume the fruit of this tree including: robins, mockingbirds, and other songbirds. This is a host plant for the Hackberry Emperor larvae, mourning cloak, tawny emperor, and question mark. It is also the ONLY #larvalhostplant for the American snout (Libytheana carineta) in South Florida.