The hackberry produces small, dark-red berries that turn purple as they mature. Inside is a pit, that when scraped clean, reveals an interesting net-like pattern. The fruit of the hackberry is popular with winter birds, especially the cedar waxwing, mockingbird, and robin.

Are hackberry tree berries edible?

All hackberries are edible and highly nutritious. They have been consumed by humans for millennia and are one of the first known foods that humans have eaten and stored. Caches of hackberries have been found in ancient cave sites.

How do I identify a hackberry tree?

Hackberry Tree Identification

Look for the smooth, grayish bark that has warty growths growing on projecting ridges. The pointed, ovate leaves have toothed margins and an asymmetrical, uneven base. The leaves and yellowish flower clusters grow on slender zigzag branches.