Hackberry (Common Hackberry)
Celtis occidentalis · Hardwood
- Type
- Hardwood
- Origin
- Eastern and Central North America
- Hardness
- 880 lbf (Medium)
- Durability
- Non-durable to Perishable; very susceptible to decay and insect attack (especially powder post beetles) when exposed to moisture.
Got a wood sample like this?
Identify any wood from a photo, free.
Grain Pattern
Straight to slightly interlocked grain with a medium to coarse texture. In plain-sawn lumber, it produces a distinct elm-like cathedral figure due to its ring-porous structure.
Color & Appearance
Heartwood is typically light yellow to light brown, potentially with a greenish hue. The sapwood is wide and pale yellow to white. It is highly susceptible to blue-gray sapstain if not dried quickly.
Hardness (Janka)
880 lbf (Medium)
Durability & Decay Resistance
Non-durable to Perishable; very susceptible to decay and insect attack (especially powder post beetles) when exposed to moisture.
Value & Sustainability
- Estimated Market Value
- $2.50 - $4.50 per board foot for kiln-dried lumber; low commercial value compared to premium hardwoods.
- Wood Age Estimate
- The sample appears to be a fresh to moderately weathered branch or small log, likely 1-3 years since being cut or fallen based on bark degradation and lack of deep rot.
- Sustainability Status
- Least Concern (IUCN); widely available and not CITES protected. Not typically a focus of FSC certification but considered sustainable.
Common Uses
Utility lumber, pallets, crates, furniture frames, cabinetry, veneer, and firewood. It is also used for turnery.
Geographic Origin
Eastern and Central North America
Workability
Generally easy to work with both hand and machine tools. It glues, stains, and finishes well. It responds well to steam bending. Blunting effect on cutters is minimal.
Finish Recommendations
Accepts most finishes well. A clear polyurethane or lacquer is recommended to highlight the light color, though staining is often used to mimic more expensive species like Ash or Elm.
Notable Features
Distinctive 'warty' bark texture (visible on the left side of the sample) and a faint, sometimes unpleasant odor when green. High susceptibility to fungal staining ('blue stain').
