Hackberry Celtis occidentalis
Family: Ulmaceae (Elm)
Branching: Alternate


This is a member of the Elm family and shares its characteristic branching (this year's twigs branch of in a horizontal plane from last year's branch.  It is very obvious from the ground in the winter).  Hackberry is one of the few trees that has corky bark (Rock Elm, Bur Oak, and Black Ash are some others).  This is mainly evident when it is young.  Mature bark scales into plates.  Hackberry also has a chambered pith, though it is not always obvious.


Hackberry twig


Lateral bud


Another view of the winter twig


Hackberry has chambered pith, though it's not always obvious


The distinctive corky bark of Hackberry


As the bark ages, it peels into plate-like sections




Back to the main page

copyright © 2008 Josh Sayers
please email me with any questions, comments, or errors