Celtis laevigata from TeriLynn Charleston SC

There is a mystery tree in next door neighbor’s yard. Owner collected seeds many many years ago from upstate (??) and now it is huge – at least 4.5 ft diameter. I’ve been thru 7 books and can’t ID it!

Hi TeriLynn,

your tree is a southern hackberry, or sometimes called sugarberry, Celtis laevigata, in the Elm family.  The fruits are very sought after by birds. It is a native tree.

Sincerely,

Dr. Steven Hill, Botanist, SCNPS

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