Audibert's Western Hackberry (Celtis occidentalis var. audibertiana)

Audibert common hackberry Audibert hackberry
Silhouette: T. Michael Keesey / License

Celtis occidentalis var. audibertiana: Audibert Hackberry Guide

Inhabiting the temperate plains and river basins of North America, this resilient variety withstands extreme climatic fluctuations. Its dense canopy offers exceptional wind protection, making it a valuable species for agricultural shelterbelts. Forest ecology initiatives frequently utilize this tree to restore degraded woodlands.

Taxonomy

  • царство Plantae
  • division Tracheophytes (Vascular Plants)
  • subdivision Spermatophytes (Seed plants)
  • Angiosperms
  • mesangiosperms
  • eudicots
  • Superrosids
  • rosids
  • order Rosales
  • family Cannabaceae (Hemp family)
  • genus Celtis (Hackberry)
  • species Celtis occidentalis (Common Hackberry)
  • variety Celtis occidentalis var. audibertiana (Audibert's Western Hackberry)

Living Pulse

Morphology

This variety grows into a medium-to-large tree, characterized by corky, wart-like ridges on its mature bark. The leaves are ovate-lanceolate, sharply serrate, and feature a light green underside with subtle pubescence. Its small yellow-green blossoms give way to globose drupes that turn deep purple-black when ripe.

Flowering season

Spring

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Name
Dec

Applications

The sweet, nutrient-rich drupes are a primary winter food source for native songbirds and mammals. Because of its tolerance to urban pollution and compacted soils, it is widely planted along city streets. The durable, coarse-grained wood is utilized for manufacturing crates, boxes, and cheap furniture.

Interesting facts

  • The distinctive corky bark provides excellent protection against low-intensity wild forest fires.
  • Native American tribes historically used the sweet fruits to flavor meat and prepared medicinal teas from the bark.
  • It is highly resistant to the elm leaf beetle, making it a popular replacement for diseased elm trees in urban areas.

Geography of distribution

  • United States
  • Canada

Technical Information

External Databases: GBIF, POWO, Tropicos

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