sugarberry Ulmaceae Celtis laevigata var. laevigata Willd. symbol: CELAL Leaf: Alternate, simple, pinnately veined, 2 to 5 inches long, 1 to 2 inches wide, long acuminate tip, only upper half of leaf or less serrated (maybe entire), three distinct veins meet at the inequilateral base. Flower: Very small (1/8 inch), greenish-white, produced on stalks near twig, appearing in spring. Fruit: Fleshy, globose, 1/4 to 3/8 inch in diameter, orangish red turning purple when ripe, stalks short, maturing in fall. Twig: Slender, zigzag, reddish brown, speckled with lighter lenticels, lateral buds are tightly appressed and triangular in shape, pith usually chambered at nodes. Bark: Gray to light brown, smooth with corky "warty" patches, does not develop ridges, as does hackberry, although it is highly variable. Form: Medium size tree to 80 feet tall, several feet in diameter, broad crown in open with drooping branches. Looks like: netleaf hackberry - hackberry - American elm Additional Range Information: Celtis laevigata var. laevigata is native to North America. Range may be expanded by planting. See states reporting sugarberry. External Links: USDAFS Silvics of North America USDAFS Additional Silvics USDA Plants Database Horticulture