Hackberry

Celtis occidentalis, commonly known as the common hackberry or northern hackberry, is a deciduous tree native to North America. Here's an overview of this tree:

1. Appearance: Common hackberry typically grows 40 to 60 feet (12 to 18 meters) tall, though it can sometimes reach heights of up to 130 feet (40 meters) in optimal conditions. It has a broad, rounded crown with a straight trunk and grayish-brown bark that develops warty projections as it matures.

2. Leaves: The leaves are alternate, simple, and ovate to lanceolate in shape, with serrated margins. They are medium green in color and turn yellow in the fall, adding seasonal interest to the tree.

3. Flowers and Fruit: Common hackberry produces small, inconspicuous greenish flowers in spring. The flowers are wind-pollinated. Female trees produce small, round, berry-like fruits (drupes) that ripen to a dark purple or reddish-orange color in late summer to fall. The fruits persist on the tree into winter and are a food source for birds and wildlife.

4. Habitat: Common hackberry is adaptable to a wide range of soil types and moisture conditions, though it prefers well-drained soils. It is commonly found in floodplains, woodlands, and along streams and rivers across eastern and central North America.

5. Ecological Importance: The fruits of common hackberry are an important food source for many bird species, including robins, cedar waxwings, and various songbirds. The tree also provides nesting sites and cover for wildlife.

6. Cultural Uses: Historically, indigenous peoples used various parts of the common hackberry for medicinal purposes. The bark and leaves were used to make teas or poultices believed to treat sore throats, coughs, and other ailments. The wood was used for crafting tools and implements.

7. Landscaping: In urban and suburban landscapes, common hackberry is valued for its adaptability, tolerance to urban conditions, and attractive foliage and fruits. It is planted as a shade tree, street tree, or in naturalized areas.

8. Wood: The wood of common hackberry is tough, durable, and somewhat flexible, making it suitable for a variety of uses, including furniture, tool handles, and fence posts.

9. Maintenance: Common hackberry is relatively low-maintenance once established. It is tolerant of drought and urban pollution but may benefit from occasional pruning to remove dead or crossing branches.

In summary, Celtis occidentalis, or common hackberry, is a versatile and valuable native tree in North America known for its adaptability, wildlife benefits, and cultural uses. It plays an important ecological role in providing food and habitat for wildlife and is appreciated in landscaping for its aesthetic and functional qualities