Common Hackberry-Celtis occidentalis

Ponder this:

The Common Hackberry is an all-purpose tree. It can grow in a variety of soils; can withstand too much moisture, but also drought; produces edible fruit that is remarkably high in fat and calories; and serves as an excellent windbreak. An important tree to our ecosystem, the Hackberry does a great job of handling air pollution, purifying water, and storing carbon in its wood. A living Hackberry tree can seemingly do it all.

Do you have people in your life that are like the Common Hackberry? A group of family or friends that protect you from the destructive winds of life? People that are a constant source of protective goodness? The church calls them the “community of believers” – those folks who provide fruit in their lives that nourish you during a difficult period and serve as the heartbeat of the human ecosystem.

The Hackberry may not be the most attractive, or the most valuable after it is cut down, in fact its wood is of little value, but while living, this tree provides food, protection, and cleansing to those around it. Take a minute to thank God for trees such as this; and for friends that do the same!

Learn More:

Common Hackberry-Celtis occidentalis, a relative of the Elm, is also known as the Nettletree, Sugarberry, Beaverwood and American Hackberry. This species is relatively short-lived, but some specimens have been found that were 200 years old. The tree has warty bark, grows best in fairly moist soils, and makes a hardy urban shade tree. A variety of birds, pheasants, and grouse eat its fruit and native Americans used the Hackberry as a source of food and medicine. The Hackberry can easily withstand strong winds, pollution, heat, salt, and tough soil.