Common hackberry is a medium to large tree with warty, corky bark and small, cherry-like fruits that persist into winter. Leaves are asymmetrical at the base and have toothed margins.
Habitat and range
In Maryland, hackberry grows in floodplains, along streams, and in rich upland woods. It tolerates a wide range of soils and is often found with elms, ashes, and sycamores in bottomlands.
Uses and significance
The fruits are eaten by many birds and mammals. The wood is used for furniture and boxes. Hackberry is a tough, adaptable tree that provides food and shelter for wildlife and is sometimes planted in urban settings.