Hackberry, Dwarf

tenuifolia, the Dwarf Hackberry or Georgia Hackberry is a shrub or small tree 7 to 40 feet high. It is native to eastern North America, but is very uncommon north of the Ohio River. In Canada, dwarf hackberry is designated as threatened and protected under Canada’s Species at Risk Act.

Dwarf hackberry is shade intolerant, drought tolerant and slow-growing. It grows in dry upland habitats, including open woodlands and sandy near-shore habitats. It is usually not found among other hackberries, although when other hackberry species occur in proximity to dwarf hackberry, intermediate forms may occur.

The LEAVES are alternate, simple, blades 2 to 3 inches long, and 0.80 to 1.40 inches in width, shallowly toothed, and finely hairy. The WINTER BUDS are brown and hairy, similar to those of other hackberries, but smaller, only 0.40 to 0.80 inches long. TERMINAL BUDS are absent.

FLOWERS are monoecious and unisexual, occurring either solitarily or in small clusters. This species is wind-pollinated and appears to be self-compatible.

The FRUIT is a berry-like drupe, 0.20 to 0.30 inches in diameter, consisting of a single stone encased within a thin, sweet mesocarp. This edible mesocarp is composed of a purplish-brown smooth outer crust and a pulpy yellow inside.

The WOOD of hackberry trees is close grained, soft, and of medium strength, and is used mostly for furniture. When mature, the gray BARK develops a warty texture.

Zigzag TWIG configuration is distinctive. Trees with this characteristic do not have a terminal bud at the end of the stem and display this “zigzag” pattern as the twigs grow.

The fruit is attractive to a variety of WILDLIFE. Dispersal is primarily by birds although mammals are attracted by the sweet fruit and likely play a role in local dispersal.