The hackberry grows 70 to 80 feet tall. It is found generally over the state,
but prefers moist bottomlands and slopes. It makes a desirable ornamental
tree.
Leaves are 2-1/2 to 4 inches long, smooth above, hairy below. Resembling the leaves of elm, the leaves are more lance-shaped, and have a thinner texture and paler green color. They are quite prominently veined but the lateral veins are not distinctly parallel.
The small, berrylike fruit is purplish in color, contains a pit
similar to cherry and is on a long stem. The fleshy part is sweet and edible
and was used by the Indians for grinding with dried meat. It is a favorite
bird food.
The bark has warty or corky ridges or growths with wide furrows and smooth patches between.
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