Hackberry Leaves Celtis occidentalis
Characteristics
Leaves: simple, alternate, pointy tip, blades oval or lance-shaped, coarsely serrated along edges, sometimes not close to base of the leaf, smooth or hairy on one or both sides, up to 6 inches long, leafstalks around an inch long, base is asymmetrical
Flower: drooping clusters or solitary, appear after leaves are almost grown, greenish-yellow in color, no petals
Fruit: dark purple, round, 1 seed, ripens in the fall, juicy, grows on skinny, droopy stalks
Twigs: skinny, gray to reddish-brown in color, slick, alternate and crescent-shaped leaf scars containing 3 bundle traces
Bud: skinny, curved, pointy, finely hairy, around 1/4 inch long, can be brown or gray
Bark: gray in color, fairly smooth on younger trees and rough and very "warty" on older trees
Wood description and uses: dense, soft, light yellow; fences, furniture
Form: medium to large tree, grows to 80 feet in height, oblong crown, many branches, trunk up to 5 feet wide
Habitat: bottomland forests
Range: Massachusetts across to South Dakota, southern Oklahoma, Alabama, and Virginia
Distinguishing features: resemble elms, have 3 major veins originating from the bottom of the leaf, is different from other Illinois hackberries by having bigger, more coarsely serrated leaves and larger, deep purple fruits
Location: Greenup, Illinois
Sources Cited: Mohlenbrock, Robert. (N.D.). Forest Trees of Illinois. Springfield, IL: Illinois Department of Natural Resources.
© 2003 Cumberland High School. Jennifer M.
Contact Information- lstarwalt@cumberland.k12.il.us