Common Hackberry
(Celtis occidentalis)



The common hackberry is a member of the Ulmaceae family.

Height:
The common hackberry can range from 40 to 60 feet tall, with a trunk diameter of 1 to 2 feet.

Leaf and Bark Type:
Leaves are simple and alternately arranged with sharp teeth. They have a dark green color and the leaf bases is asymmetrical. Leaf veins are prominent on the bottom of the leaf. Bark is gray and smooth developing into bumps and ridges with time.

Where does it grow and in what conditions:
In Texas this plant is native in the high plains, but is native within much of the United States. It is predominantly a bottom land species, but can be found along bluffs, rocky hillsides, and limestone outcrops due to it being able to grow well in various soil types.

Pollinators:
The plant is polygamomonoecious, meaning that most of the plant is one sex but some flowers have both male and female parts. The common hackberry is pollinated primarily by the wind as its flowers are not showy or aromatic.

Fruit:
The fruit is a round berry-like drupe that is orange or red when ripe, but purple later in fall. Favored by many bird species, birds help distribute these seeds across land for new trees to grow. Fruit emerges first in the southern range of its populations in April, then in May for the northern part of its range. These fruits are ripe in September or October, but remain on the tree well into the next year.

Uses:
A deep root system makes this tree useful for preventing soil erosion, as well as being used in windbreak plantings. Native American valued this tree for medicinal, food, and ceremonial purposes. The fruit serves as food for wildlife, and the tree can act as cover for preyed upon species. Being able to withstand drought and urban environments makes this a popular street tree as well.

 
GPS Location

Submitted by Larrimer
Pictures coming soon

Citations:
https://plants.usda.gov/plantguide/pdf/pg_ceoc.pdf
http://plants.usda.gov/core/profile?symbol=ceoc
http://www.fs.fed.us/database/feis/plants/tree/celocc/all.html#BreedingSystemandPollination
http://texastreeid.tamu.edu/content/TreeDetails/?id=89