Sugarberry is a common large overstory tree of bottomland forests, but also occurs in drier areas over calcareous rock (with relatively high pH soil). It is one of the earlier tree species to leaf out.
Durham Co., NC 4/13/2003.
The leaves are normally easily identified by their almost triangular shape with uneven bases with three prominent veins and usually few teeth. The small fruits (technically a drupe) are sweet, but barely edible.
The similar Common Hackberry (C. occidentalis) and Dwarf Hackberry (C. tenuifolia) also occur in North Carolina, but have broader, coarsely toothed leaves that are sandpapery above.
Ripening fruits. Durham Co., NC 6/8/03.
We have var. laevigata around here; there are others in the southwestern states.
Three species of butterflies feed on the leaves as larvae: Hackberry Emperor, Tawny Emperor, and American Snout.
The bark is usually extremely warty.
Bark detail.
Large tree in winter (same tree as in top photo).
Durham Co., NC 12/4/2005.
