September 24, 2012
Giving Tree
The Hackberry, Celtis occidentalis, is an upstanding member of the native New England Tree community. It is the host plant for the larvae of many insects, including the Hackberry Butterfly, which feeds exclusively on these leaves. Many insects become food for birds that also feed their babies this high-protein food. In the fall and winter the black berries (shown here) are eaten by a variety of birds and small mammals.
This is an easy tree to identify in any season. The corky, bumpy bark is distinctive. There are about 3 large Hackberries at Fresh Pond: at the south end of the Kingsley bioswale, near Black's Nook next to the Perimeter Road, and near the Neville Place patio.