Hackberry (Common Hackberry)
Celtis occidentalis • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Straight to interlocked grain with a medium to coarse texture; features a distinct cathedral pattern when flat-sawn and can exhibit spalted figure if left to decay slightly.
Color Description
Heartwood is light yellowish gray to light brown; sapwood is wide and pale yellow to white. It has a relatively low luster and is prone to bluish-gray staining from fungi.
Hardness Rating
880 lbf (Medium)
Durability Rating
Non-durable to Perishable; very susceptible to decay and insect attack (powder post beetles) if used outdoors.
Common Uses
Utility lumber, crates, boxes, cheap furniture, cabinetry, firewood, and tool handles (when strength is less priority than ash).
Geographic Origin
Eastern and Central North America
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$2.50 to $4.50 per board foot (generally considered a lower-value utility hardwood).
Wood Age Estimate
The standing tree shown appears to be 15-25 years old based on the diameter and development of characteristic warty bark ridges.
Sustainability Status
Least Concern (IUCN); widely available and not listed in CITES appendices.
Workability
Fairly easy to work with both hand and machine tools, though interlocked grain can cause some tearout. Glues and finishes well.
Notable Features
Most distinctive feature is the unique warty, cork-like ridges on the bark. It has no characteristic odor and contains small amounts of silica which can dull tools slightly over time.
Finish Recommendations
Takes stains and finishes well. Polyurethane or lacquer are recommended to prevent moisture absorption due to its susceptibility to rot.
Identification Confidence
High; the unique 'warty' bark protrusions and cork-like horizontal ridges are diagnostic for the genus Celtis in North America.