Celtis occidentalis
Hackberry is a small to medium sized tree that can grow to a height of about 15 m tall with a broad, rounded crown. The spearhead-shaped leaves are arranged alternately on the stem and have a long-tapering tip and small teeth along the margins. The fruits produced are small, round, and reddish-purple in colour. These fruits are a valuable food source for small mammals and birds, especially winter birds such as Cedar Waxwings.
Hackberry grows best in full sunlight conditions and is tolerant to a wide range of soil types/moisture levels. It is considered to be mildly tolerant of flooding and drought, as well as pollution and strong winds. Hackberry can be used as an alternative to American Elm, as it has a similar growth pattern, but is resistant to Dutch Elm Disease.
