Though the fruit is quite thin and usually dry, the taste of the berries is said to be similar to dates. The leaves are 2 ½ to 4 inches long, and 1 ½ inches wide, oval to lanceshaped, and resemble those of the elm but are more sharply pointed. People often confuse hackberry with elm due to similarities in the shape and size of these two species. Hackberry tree is monoecious plant which means that it produces individual male and female flowers on the same tree. Hackberry tree is often planted on the river banks to prevent flooding and erosion of soil. Hackberry is adaptable to rocky, compacted or dry soil. This tree provides shade, controls erosion and windbreak. Hackberry is a tiny village in central Mohave County, on Route 66 in the northwestern region of Arizona. They have asymmetric base, pointed tips and serrated edges. Mourning Cloak, Question Mark, Hackberry Emperor, Comma, Snout, and Tawny Emperor butterflies host on this tree. The Hackberry tree is one of the 100 most common trees in the United States. Copyright 2020 Leaf Group Ltd. / Leaf Group Media, All Rights Reserved. Back Print results Print PDF (299 KB) They are found in an array of colors ranging from green to red and at times a gorgeous dark purple, attracting many birds and animals to gorge on them. Hackberry tree can be cultivated as bonsai. For this reason, it … Hackberry tree blooms from April to May. It can survive in a multitude of climates and weather conditions. Humans can enjoy the … There are 60 to 70 species of hackberry that can be found in temperate climate around the world. (Map of Hackberry). The hackberry makes an excellent shade tree since its spread is nearly 30 feet and for that reason, it is found shading many backyards nationwide. It is considered soft wood and isn’t terribly strong. Leaves are alternately arranged on the branches. It is not a strong competitor, but once established it can grow to heights of 30 to 50 feet, on average. Ripe fruit is available in September and October and it can be recognized by dark purple color and sweet, dates-like taste. Because of its prevalence across the United States, the hackberry is known by many different names such as sugarberry, beaverwood and nettletree. People like to plant hackberry tree in the gardens, parks and backyards because it tolerates drought and pollution of the air and provides shade. It produces greenish, inconspicuous flowers arranged in drooping clusters. Hackberry is a medium to large-sized tree growing to heights from 20 to 90 feet, depending upon the growing conditions. This tree provides shade, controls erosion and windbreak. Scientists once included Celtis species in the elm family (Ulmaceae) and then placed them into their own family called Celtidaceae, before they were placed in their current classification as a member of the hemp family (Cannabaceae). The Hackberry tree is one of the 100 most common trees in the United States. Humans can also eat fruit of hackberry tree. Hackberry is deciduous and perennial tree comprising the flowering plant genus Celtis in the plant family Ulmaceae. Like the elm, the hackberry is often used as a shade tree in urban environments due to its drought tolerance and size. Rarely found in pure stands, the hackberry is usually found in mixed deciduous forests. It prefers moist and bottomland soils. The tree can grow to 100 feet high, but usually does not exceed 40 to 60 feet. The eastern North American tree called hackberry, or nettle tree, Native Americans used the hackberry as a source of food, for medicinal purposes, and for special ceremonies. The hackberry is also amenable to bonsai cultivation. The hackberry produces small, dark-red berries that turn purple as they mature. Flowers are rich source of nectar which attracts bees, main pollinators of this plant. Hackberry tree grows in mixed deciduous forests, in the seasonally flooded plains, on the slopes and rocky hillsides. The berries were often crushed and used to flavour foods, or mixed with corn and animal fats to make a thick porridge. Deer feed on foliage, while birds and small mammals like to eat fruit. Native Americans used bark of hackberry tree to treat sore throat, menstrual irregularities and venereal diseases. Hackberry tree develops ovate or lanceolate leaves. Native Americans used hackberry tree as a source of fuel for starting and maintaining of fire in the altars during various ceremonies. The bark of the tree was boiled down and used medicinally to induce abortions, regulate menstrual cycles, and cure venereal diseases. The fruit of the hackberry is popular with winter birds, especially the cedar waxwing, mockingbird, and robin. I live in southern Illinois and I have tried about 20 trees within 2-3 miles from my house and they feel like they will break your teeth so I planted some Celtis australis and they are much better than my locals. In fact, the hackberry relies on animals to eat the fruits and disperse its seeds in order to reproduce. It prefers moist and bottomland soils. Possessing a soft wood comparable to elm and white ash, the hackberry is not particularly valued for commercial purposes. Many people mistake the hackberry for its cousin the American elm. Hackberry has rounded crown and slender branches. Hackberry is adaptable to rocky, compacted or dry soil. Soil – best in damp to wet but will grow in dry soil Not tolerant of … The common hackberry tree is a tall tree averaging 30-50 feet tall. The hackberry produces small, pea-sized berries that change from light orange to dark purple in color when ripe in early fall. Broad, rounded crown is typical for open areas. Hackberry is a host for six different species of butterflies. There are around 60 to 70 species of Celtis found in temperate regions around the world. Hackberry tree has soft wood that is used as firewood and for the manufacture of fence posts, cheap furniture, plywood and boxes. They are distributed primarily in temperate and tropical areas. Amateur arborists are not the only ones confused over the identification of hackberries; scientists too have had trouble definitively placing the genus of hackberry (Celtis) into the correct family. Hackberry, any of several trees of the genus Celtis, with about 70 species in the hemp family (Cannabaceae), that are valued for their wood or for ornamental qualities. Hackberry trees have a light yellow colored wood with a coarse grain. Fun Facts About Hackberries Hackberry – Sturdy Shade Plus Some Surprises Maybe you have heard of the Hackberry tree, but never thought of it as a food source. The crown is narrow and rounded in the forest, but broad, with pendant lower branches when open grown. Fruit of hackberry tree is pea-sized drupe that looks like berry. Hackberry Tree Identification Facts & Information. Hackberry tree can survive from 150 to 200 years in the wild. Hackberry is a member of elm family which is the versatile shade trees. Elevation 3,583 ft (1.092 m). Some common varieties of Hackberry are: Green Cascade, Prairie Sentinel, Prairie Pride and Magnifica. Hackberry grows best on moist alluvial soils, and occurs only as scattered trees mixed with other hardwoods. Fruit contains one seed. The tree is tolerant of a wide range of habitats and grows on bottomlands as well as droughty upland sites The fruits are not just for forest animals though. Celtis occidentalis grows as … Hackberry has rounded crown and slender branches. The fruits are not just for forest animals though. Hackberry tree is important source of food for the forest animals. Hackberry tree, also known as sugarberry, is deciduous tree that belongs to the hemp family. The history and nutrition of this genus is the most interesting of all to me. As if bird life itself is not enough entertainment, Desert Hackberry also supports a host of insect life including two interesting butterflies: Leilia Hackberry (Asterocampa leilia) and the American Snout (Libytheana bachmanii).Both species are orange as adults, but begin life as tiny green caterpillars that exactly match the Desert Hackberry’s leaves. Hackberry is a US and Canada native. Hackberry is a host for six different species of butterflies. Desert hackberry (Celtis pallida) is a drought-tolerant tree found in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 7 to 9. While the hackberry is not an economically important tree, it is useful in areas around rivers to help prevent erosion and minimize risk from flooding. They grow very quickly, which is especially true when they are planted in moist conditions. Shape of the crown depends on the habitat. In fact, the Native Americans crushed these berries in order to extract their flavor to add to their animal fats, corn, and other foods. It grows as a native in … Hackberry – Sturdy Shade Plus Some Surprises Maybe you have heard of the Hackberry tree, but never thought of it as a food source. The Hackberry is an interesting tree with rough corky bark. Texture of leaves can be smooth or rough. Requires full sun and moderate watering. It is most often used as firewood though it is occasionally used for inexpensive furniture construction. Narrow, cylindrical crown can be seen in the forests. Interesting Hackberry tree Facts: Hackberry tree usually grows 30 to 50 feet in height, but it can reach 100 feet under optimal conditions. It can survive in a multitude of climates and weather conditions. Hackberry is a US and Canada native. The hackberry tree (Celtis occidentalis) is a common deciduous tree with a few uncommon traits. The fruits are safe for animals, birds, and humans alike. Time zone: Mountain (MST): UTC minus 7 hours. The common Hackberry tree can be found growing wild in Southwestern desert arroyos. Very drought and heat tolerant. Native Americans consumed fruit of hackberry tree in the form of porridge (mixed with corn and animal fat) and used it as a flavoring agent. Its prime development conditions are in valley soils where it can grow to be over 100 feet tall and can have a very fast growth rate. Interesting Facts: Common hackberry is native to much of the eastern U.S. and was named "bois inconnu" -- the unkown tree -- by the earliest French explorers. Fruits of the common hackberry are small but fleshy bearing a single seed in them. Hackberry is a member of elm family which is the versatile shade trees. In fact, the hackberry relies on animals to eat the fruits and disperse its seeds in order to reproduce. Interesting Facts. Inside is a pit, that when scraped clean, reveals an interesting net-like pattern. Soil – best in damp to wet but will grow in dry soil Not tolerant of … Population 68 (2010). About Hackberry, Arizona Facts, Trivia and useful information. Some species of hackberry tree are adapted to the life in arid, desert conditions. Hackberry tree produces drooping branches. Bark of hackberry tree is light grey, covered with ridges and wart-like projections. Summer (DST) no DST⁄ PDT (UTC-7). Hackberry tree produces drooping … They can however, be found growing as tall as 100 feet. The hackberry is a great tree to attract birds and other animals who love to feed off the fruits both in the tree and on the forest floor. Hackberry tree usually grows 30 to 50 feet in height, but it can reach 100 feet under optimal conditions. Humans can enjoy the small berries as well. It is also used as seasoning for meat and as an ingredient for bread. Fruit can be consumed fresh or in the form of jam. The hackberry is a great tree to attract birds and other animals who love to feed off the fruits both in the tree and on the forest floor. The hackberry is a tolerant species that can grow in a range of environmental and soil conditions making it a useful tree for municipalities and private land owners across the country. Mourning Cloak, Question Mark, Hackberry Emperor, Comma, Snout, and Tawny Emperor butterflies host on this tree.