Hackberry
(Celtis
occidentalis L)
|
|
|
 |
|
|
Hackberry
can be sparsely found throughout the state, except in the high
mountains. It is most abundant and reaches its greatest size in
rich alluvial lands in the lower part of the state, but it can
survive and grow on most types of soil, from the poorest to the
richest. The tree commonly grows to 30 to 40 feet in height and
I to 2 feet in diameter. On the best sites, it may reach a height
of 130 feet and a diameter of4 feet or more.
Hackberry leaves are asymmetrically oval, 2 1/2 to 3 1/2 inches
long with sharply toothed margins. (They are often entire, or
smooth-margined, below the middle.) They have curved, pointed
tips. The globular fruit is born singly on stems 1/2 to 3/4 inch
long. It ripens in September but often remains on the tree over
the winter. The fruit is dark purple and about 1/3 -inch in diameter.
Hackberry bark is grayish and generally smooth, with characteristic
corky warts or ridges. In some instances, the bark is smooth enough
on the limbs to resemble that of the beech.
The wood is heavy, rather soft and weak. It decays quickly when
exposed to moisture. Hackberry wood is used in furniture, for
baskets and crates, and in some athletic equipment. |
|
|