Sugarberry

Arbor Walk #29, Treekeeper ID #1658

This lovely mature tree has shaded the west side of Olin Library for generations of students but sadly came down in a storm in July 2023. There is a new Sugarberry in the collection, tree 154. Sugarberry is a native tree that performs well in urban conditions and is easily distinguished by its distinctive corky bark. But be careful because there are other relatives that are native to Missouri that have very similar bark such as the Common Hackberry.

The fruit produced by this species are often quite sweet (said to be sweeter than its relatives), which is what has earned the tree its common name. Ripening occurs in the fall, and the fruit is edible to both humans and local wildlife. It is more resilient to common diseases, but less able to manage highly frigid winters than its northern relative.

More information on the Sugarberries in our Arboretum here!

Common NameSugarberry, Southern
Hackberry
Latin NameCeltis laevigata
Indigenous Name(s) 
Cultivar/Variety
Commercial Name 

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