Hackberry
Celtis occidentalis L.
Also known as Sugarberry or Nettletree.
Mature Size: Commonly 40 to 60 feet in height and 1 to 2 feet in diameter, but may reach height of 130 feet.
Form: Rounded, spreading crown; may have numerous bushy growths on branches ("witches' brooms").
Habitat: Mainly bottomlands and stream sides.
Leaves
Alternate, simple, 2 to 5 inches long, oval with curved, pointed tip and uneven base; three major veins originating at leaf base; small rounded or pointed bumps (galls) caused by an insect are often present on the leaves.
Flowers
1/8 inch, light green, 4 or 5 lobed, produced on stalks from new leaf axils, appearing in spring.
Fruit
Round, thin-fleshed, dry but edible fruit, ¼ to 3/8 inch across, turning orange-red to dark purple in fall when ripe, often remaining on the tree over winter.
Bark
Gray and generally smooth, with characteristic corky warts and ridges.
Twigs
Slender, zigzag, light red-brown with numerous lighter pores; buds small, tan, triangular, pressed close to twig; inside of cut twig (pith) often divided into chambers near points of leaf attachment.
Values and Uses
The wood is heavy, rather soft and weak, decaying quickly when exposed to moisture. It is not often harvested, but it has been used for inexpensive furniture, millwork, baskets and crates and some athletic equipment. The berries are persistent and make a good fall and winter food source for birds and small mammals.
Did You Know?
A related species, sugarberry (Celtis laevigata), is found in extreme southeastern Virginia.
