Celtis occidentalis | Hackberry | Nettletree | Sugarberry | 20_Seeds

This is Celtis occidentalis, also known as Common hackberry, nettletree, sugarberry, beaverwood, northern hackberry, and American hackberry. This tree has a bark that looks like cork. Hackberry is loved by all kinds of birds, bees, and butterflies. This tree produces edible pea sized fruit which was eaten on a regular basis by the Omaha natives in America. The Dakota and Pawnee also used this berry in cooking. They crushed it fine and used it to flavor meat and as an ingredient in certain dishes. The berries are packed with calories and are easily digestible without cooking. It is the larval host plant for the Hackberry Emperor, Tawny Emperor, American Snout, Question Mark, and Mourning Cloak butterflies. USDA Hardiness Zones 3 to 8a