PLANT OF THE MONTH
January, 2010
Plant of the Month Feature
by Francie Hill
Director,
Bickelhaupt Arboretum
Celtis occidentalis
Hackberry
How would I ever learn the names of all the trees? was my first thought some ten years ago when I returned to Clinton to direct the Arboretum. As the years went by, I did my best to associate an activity – Did I play under that tree when I was a child? Is that one the state tree of Iowa? Is that the tallest tree? the fattest? The smallest?”
When my father celebrated his 90th birthday we decided to name the thirteen trees on the grounds pre-Arboretum founding in 1970 as “Founders Trees.” A goal to identify those was easy, as they were the sturdiest and healthiest, the largest and the ones with interesting stories. My mother describes the Hackberry as “the one I see when do my daily water exercises, as it is at the very northwest corner of the house, a contrast to the conifers in the foreground and balanced by another Founders Tree – the Kentucky coffeetree at the south west corner.“ When they constructed their residence in 1955, the tree was identified as Celtis occidentalis and at that time was accessioned as 30 feet tall with an estimated age of thirty years. Now some forty years later, it is about sixty feet tall and doing well.
I am fascinated by the bark. Experts describe it as “warty” “ridged” and “gnarled.” I was also interested in the fact that the origin of the tree here at the Bickelhaupt was possibly from a bird dropping – Perfect placement!
As the Arboretum has grown around the Hackberry, the location is perfect for the visitor as they enter or exit the Heartland Collection of Garden conifers. It is always seen by guests seated on the ground when we have concerts under the Bur oaks on the west side of Rock Creek and the perfect place on a hot summer day for shade and conversation.
Michael Dirr tells us: “The fierce drying winds of the Midwest and Plains states do not faze this tough hombre. Its tolerance is legendary. The biggest forms approach the dignity of an American Elm; the worse, a worn-out broom. “ We are thankful that our specimen has arching branches.
Hackberries have also described as being “like cinder blocks – eminently useful but not very attractive.” Other names given this plant include common Hackberry, Northern Hackberry, Sugarberry, One Berry, Pompion Berry, Hack Tree, Nettle Tree, Hoop Ash, Beaver Wood and False Elm.
Hackberry seed is eaten by animals, and squirrel feed on both the nipple galls and the fruit. The fruit is eaten also by butterflies, quail, ring-necked pheasant, wild turkey, cedar waxwings, sharp-tailed grouse, yellow-bellied sapsuckers, mockingbirds, robins and other birds.
Good grades of Hackberry wood are used for furniture, millwork, and some athletic equipment. In earlier years, its tough, flexible wood was used for barrel hoops and many a pioneer cabin was equipped with durable Hackberry wood flooring. Today poorer grades are used for crates and boxes.
The Hackberry at the Bickelhaupt is one with four season interest: spring brings small green flowers with the emerging leaves; summer features lustrous green leaves offering shade; and in the fall the leaves turn bright yellow and the dark purple fruits attract birds and wildlife. I have noticed mostly the wonderful bark which is an easy identification in the winter. Additionally, it is very tolerant of extremes in weather and wind as well as the presence of pollution.
The Arboretum’s Hackberry is given status immediately as a Founders Tree, as well as a tree with a lovely shape and source of food for wildlife. We honor such a tree as celtis occidentalis!
About the Author: Francie B. Hill is director of the Arboretum and as a child played in the field where the collections now stand. With a commitment to education and fulfilling the mission of the Bickelhaupt, she reveres a tree with an outstanding feature as the Hackberry with the easily identifiable bark.