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.

Granville Co., NC 5/16/09.

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.