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Hackberry Tree
Fast Growing Tree with Edible FruitThe Hackberry is a fast growing, deciduous tree that produces edible fruit. Plant one in your yard for its shade and seasonal interest, especially if you have a place where the soil is too poor for other trees.Your Hackberry can grow up to 60 feet with a 40-50 foot spread, so it’s quite an expansive shade tree for your yard. It has a cylindrical shape with 5-inch alternate, green leaves with undersides of a slightly yellow hue. Those leaves will turn completely yellow in autumn for a showy accent in your yard.Your Hackberry’s foliage arrives at the same time as the ¼-inch spring flowers, giving your tree a vivacious, lime-green appearance that will certainly draw your eye. Those flowers will eventually give way to 1/3-inch, deep-purple drupes that can persist on your tree into the winter months.The drupes have a somewhat date-like flavor and were traditionally used by Native Americans as a food source. Wildlife will also treasure the tiny fruits for the added nutrition they can provide, in addition to the shelter and nesting opportunities the tree presents.The Hackberry’s trunk has a corky appearance, offering some added decorative definition to the barren winter landscape. That wood can also be used for furniture or other projects (it’s soft but heavy).Hackberry trees are tolerant of most conditions, including wind and urban conditions. It’s a great way to have an impressive shade tree with ornamental appeal in less time than other large trees would require. The edible fruit sweetens the deal as a fun and useful addition to an already outstanding tree.* Fast-growing shade* Great for windy areas* Beautiful fall color* Edible fruit* Wildlife interest* Native tree to North America