Male flowers grow in clusters, female flowers grow solitarily.
Fall Color:
Yellow
Foliage Characteristics:
Ovate to oblong-ovate, glossy to dull green leaves have uneven bases, a sharp point, and are coarsely toothed. 2-5" long.
Fruit Characteristics:
Fruit is .25" to .33" in diameter, oval to somewhat round, dark red to purple, and ripens in September and October. Fruit wil remain on tree for several months.
Structure:
Round, spreading
Range:
Central to E North America
Habitat:
Riparian deciduous forests and oak-hickory forests, 0-1800 meters
Description:
The common hackberry is a fruiting tree which grows across most of the US and parts of Canada. Various Native American tribes harvested the fruit for food, and used its bark medicinally.
It is Threatened in New Hampshire.
Hardiness:
-50 - 30 F
Attracts:
Butterflies
Bloom Time:
April to May
Ethnobotanical Uses:
Berries used for food by some Native Americans.
Medicinal / Pharmaceutical:
Bark decoction was used by some Native Americans to induce abortion, regulate menstrual cycles, and treat venereal diseases. Bark decoctions were also taken for sore throats.
