December 18, 2004
Common Hackberry, Celtis occidentalis
Identification of this tree is easy in the winter because the bark is covered with unique, raised, platelike bumps. The twigs of hackberry trees often display dense clusters of small twigs called "witch's brooms" that are believed to be caused by a fungus carried by a mite insect. The deep purple berries persist into winter, but are usually consumed by hungry birds before spring.