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Identification Clues:
By far, the easiest identifying mark of this
species is the warty bark of the trunk. The corky projections on
the trunk make it look like the old rolls of a player piano. The
coarsely serrate leaves are similar to those of the American Elm but they
are not as rough and they lack the double serration. As with the
elms, Hackberries have alternate branching. Another good clue is
the fruit of the Hackberry: a small berry that is green until it
ripens in the fall, when it turns purple-brown.
Distribution:
Hackberries are native to South Dakota and
are found throughout the eastern half of the country, but not in the deep
south.
Highlights:
Notice the unusual growth patterns in the
canopies of many Hackberry trees on campus. This growth is called
witch's broom and is caused by a fungus. Witch's broom can be found
in many tree species, but Hackberry trees seem partiularly susceptible
to the disease. Also, the leaves of Hackberries seem to be especially
susceptible to insect damage. The berries of the tree are eaten by
many birds including pheasants, turkeys and bobwhite. |
