Carolina Nature

Trees, Shrubs, and Woody Vines of North Carolina

Dwarf Hackberry (Celtis tenuifolia)

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Dwarf Hackberry (Celtis tenuifolia)

Dwarf Hackberry is an uncommon to rare shrub or small tree of rocky habitats, most common over basic rock. Common Hackberry (Celtis occidentalis) is similar, but is a larger tree generally found in wetter areas that has slightly narrower leaves that are more regularly toothed at the base. Dwarf Hackberry are often cordate (heart-shaped) at the base, while those of Common Hackberry usually are not.

Caswell Co., NC 5/30/10.

Dwarf Hackberry (Celtis tenuifolia)

The leaves are much broader, more heavily toothed, and more sandpapery above than Sugarberry (Celtis laevigata), which is a common large tree of wet habitats.

Caswell Co., NC 5/30/10.

Dwarf Hackberry (Celtis tenuifolia)

Same leaf as in photo above, with my hand for scale. The leaves on saplings like this can be fairly large.

Caswell Co., NC 5/30/10.

Dwarf Hackberry (Celtis tenuifolia)

Orange Co., NC 4/15/2012.

Dwarf Hackberry (Celtis tenuifolia) drupes galls

Unripe drupes (dark green) with leaf galls (yellowish-green).

Orange Co., NC 4/15/2012.

Dwarf Hackberry (Celtis tenuifolia) drupes

Unripe drupes.

Granville Co., NC 5/8/2012.

Dwarf Hackberry (Celtis tenuifolia) drupes

An example of toothless leaves.

Granville Co., NC 5/8/2012.

Dwarf Hackberry (Celtis tenuifolia)

Some leaves may be completely untoothed, while other leaves on the same plant may be toothed halfway to the base or more.

Granville Co., NC 5/16/09.

Dwarf Hackberry (Celtis tenuifolia)

Three species of butterflies feed on the leaves as larvae: Hackberry Emperor, Tawny Emperor, and American Snout.

Granville Co., NC 6/4/05.

Granville Co., NC 6/4/05.

Dwarf Hackberry (Celtis tenuifolia)

Bark detail of a 2 meter tall shrub. This shrub was growing at an angle, reaching towards the light.

Dwarf Hackberry (Celtis tenuifolia)

Detail of the warty bark of medium-sized tree.

Orange Co., NC 8/24/05.

More information:
Trees of Alabama and the Southeast

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