TREASURE TREES

#009 Common Hackberry (Celtis laevigata)

Some have claimed this Common Hackberry was used for public hangings in the 1800s and early 1900s, but historians say there is no evidence to back this claim. There is no documentation of lynchings or other public executions in this area. Capital punishment was generally administered by Mecklenburg County Sheriffs in gallows built for the purpose until 1910. In fall 2019, the tree was struck by lightning and split. The City of Charlotte removed the damaged limbs, leaving the 8-foot stump where it sits today. The tree leafed out in spring 2020 but is a fraction of its former size.

Statistics (1995)

  • Circumference (In.): 156
  • Height (Ft.): 50
  • Avg. Crown Spread (Ft.): 72
  • Total Points: 224

More Information

  • Nominated By: Tom Martin
  • Year Added: 1995
  • Owned By: Private property
  • Current condition: Poor
  • Neighborhood: Fourth Ward
  • Property Type: Private
  • Nearest Address: Private property
  • Ecological Value: Hackberry trees can tolerate pollution in the air and soil, making them good urban trees. They also perform well in areas with wind.
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