The LEAVES are [simple], [ovate], [alternate], one-sided, 2 to 4 inches long, thick, very rough above, green on both surfaces, and the edges toothed toward the long point. The FLOWERS are inconspicuous, and the two kinds are borne on the same tree. They appear in April or May, and are of a creamy greenish color. The [FRUIT] is a round, somewhat [oblong], [drupe] or [berry], dark purple, ⅓ inch in diameter, ripening in September. The [peduncle] (fruit stem) is much longer than the [petiole] of the leaf. It has a thin, purplish skin, and sweet yellowish flesh. The berries frequently hang on the tree most of the winter.
The WOOD is heavy, rather soft, weak, and decays readily when exposed. It is used chiefly for fuel, and occasionally for lumber.
The range of this hackberry extends far into the northern and northeastern parts of the United States.
SUGARBERRY (Sugar Hackberry)
Celtis laevigata Willd.
Sugarberry is distributed widely over the eastern half of the state. It occurs most abundantly and attains greatest size in rich alluvial soil, but thrives on various soil types. The species may grow 30 to 50 feet high and 10 to 20 inches in diameter, though sometimes much larger. Its limbs are spreading or pendulous, forming a broad head. Its branchlets are slender, light green, [glabrous] or [pubescent] when young, and bright reddish-brown during their first winter.
The [BARK] is pale gray and covered with prominent excrescences.
The LEAVES are [simple], oblong-lanceolate, one-sided, 2½ to 5 inches long, thin, smooth, with the edges entire.
SUGARBERRY (Leaf, [fruit], and twig, three-fourths natural size)
The FLOWERS, not conspicuous, are borne on slender, smooth peduncles in April or May, and are of a creamy-greenish color. The [FRUIT] is short-oblong to pear shaped, orange-red or yellow, ¼ inch in diameter, and ripens in September. The [peduncle] of the fruit is shorter or slightly longer than the [petiole] of the leaf.