Dwarf Hackberry is an uncommon to rare shrub or small tree of rocky habitats. Common Hackberry (C. occidentalis) is similar, but is a larger tree most common in moister areas and has slightly larger leaves that are more regularly toothed at the base.

The leaves are much broader, more heavily toothed, and more sandpapery above than Sugarberry (C. laevigata), which is a common large tree of wet habitats.

Three species of butterflies feed on the leaves as larvae: Hackberry Emperor, Tawny Emperor, and American Snout.

Granville Co., NC 6/4/05.

Unripe drupes.

Granville Co., NC 6/4/05.

Bark detail of a 2 meter tall shrub. This shrub was growing at an angle, reaching towards the light.

Detail of the warty bark of medium-sized tree.

Orange Co., NC 8/24/05.