=1. Celtis occidentàlis= Linnæus. Hackberry. Plate 61. Medium to
large-sized trees; bark of old trees irregularly furrowed, sometimes
some of the surface warty and rough; twigs smooth or pubescent, the
fruiting ones generally smooth; leaves of an ovate type on petioles
0.5-2 cm. long, the blades of fruiting twigs 5-15 cm. long, those of
vegetative twigs sometimes larger, oblique or slightly cordate at base,
gradually tapering to a point at apex, or long acuminate at the apex,
often becoming thick at maturity, especially those exposed to full
sunlight, generally smooth above at maturity, especially those of
fruiting twigs, or sometimes rough, especially those of vegetative
branchlets or those growing in the shade, the under surface more or less
pubescent along the veins at maturity; fruit matures in late autumn,
very dark red, sometimes appearing almost black, globose or somewhat
oblong, generally about 9-10 mm. in diameter, borne on pedicels which
are longer or up to twice as long as the petioles; the pedicels which
are always ascending are straight or somewhat curved upwards; nutlets
globose, a little longer than wide.
=Distribution.=--Valley of the St. Lawrence River, southern Ontario, to
North Dakota, and south to the Gulf States and west to Texas. More or
less frequent along streams throughout the State, except in the hilly
counties of the southern part of the State. It is always found in moist
soil, except in the hilly counties where it may be found on wooded
slopes or on high rocky bluffs bordering streams. In all of our area the
species is practically confined to drainage basins, and is generally
close to streams.
=Remarks.=--The wood is yellowish-white and before seasoning very much
resembles ash for which it was generally sold. It has good bending
qualities and is now much sought after for hoops. It was formerly often
known as hoop ash. The supply is now becoming scarce, but when bought
sells for the same price as good white elm.
Some writers include under the name _Celtis occidentalis_ only those
forms which are small trees and have ovate, short-pointed leaves. This
type of tree has not been found in Indiana. The form with long acuminate
pointed leave which is the common form in our area, is regarded as a
variety of _Celtis occidentalis_. Trees having the upper surface of the
leaves very rough are called _Celtis crassifolia_ Lamarck, or are merely
regarded as a variety of _Celtis occidentalis_. This form is found
throughout our area.
The hackberry is sometimes used as a shade tree. It can scarcely be
recommended because its leaves and twigs are often affected by galls
which detract from its appearance.
[Illustration: Plate 62.