Interesting knobby bark. In youth, Hackberry's branching habit is very unruly. Numerous branches with leaders everywhere! When the tree reaches 3 inches in caliper, it looks very much like an elm. Very adaptable tree, growing in wet and dry soils in full sun. Does well as a street tree. The birds relish the purplish-black fruit. I have tried the flesh around the drupe and it is very good. Be careful not to bite the seed hard as it is very tough! Hackberry is susceptible to nipple gall and witches broom, with nipple gall being the most prevalent. The gall and the tree get along just fine; it is human perception that causes the problem! Hackberry's growth rate is very fast in its youth and slows as it matures, but it should grow 20-25 feet in 10 years.

Environment:  Xeric  Dry/Mesic  Mesic  Wet/Mesic  Hydric

Exposure:  Shade  Part Shade  Morning Sun  Full Sun

Bloom Period:  Spring  Summer  Fall