Hackberry (Celtis occidentalis)

Form

Height 50 to 75 feet, diameter 1 to 2 feet; limbs often crooked and angular; tree-head made up of slender, pendant branches or short, bristly, stubby twigs when growing in the forest; in the open, crown is generally symmetrical.

Bark

Grayish-brown, much roughened with prominent, short, corky ridges.

Leaf

Alternate; length 2 to 4 inches; ovate and sharply toothed toward end of leaf; oblique at base; prominent veins; hairy on upper side.

Fruit

Berry-like drupe, 1/4 to 1/3 inches in diameter; thin, purplish skin; sweet yellowish flesh, sometimes called sugar berry; ripens in September; frequently hangs on tree most of winter.

Range

Found sparingly in southern and western part of the state, extending northward through the Wisconsin River Valley to Marathon County and up to St. Croix and Polk County, most abundant on rich alluvial soil, but will grow on various types of soil.

Wood

Heavy, rather soft, weak and coarse-grained; light yellow or greenish-brown with narrow white sapwood; used in manufacture of furniture, fuel and only occasionally for lumber.