A Distinctive Bark

The Sugar Hackberry is easily identified solely by the appearance of its bark. There is no other tree that I'm aware of with a knobby bark that looks anything like the Hackberry:

Unfortunately, the Sugar Hackberry has acquired the reputation of being a weed tree, especially in urban landscaping. They reseed easily. The ground along a chain link fence is prime territory for Hackberry seedlings that spring up from seeds in bird droppings. The branches tend to be weak and break off with relative ease, so they are definitely not desirable close to houses or driveways.

On the other hand, the Sugar Hackberry is one of the most valuable trees for wildlife in the United States. Over 200 species of animals depend on the Hackberry. The Hackberry is the larval host for at least four species of butterflies. Migratory birds rely on the Hackberry fruit as a primary source of energy for their fall and winter migration as the fruit and seeds are high in essential oils.

This pair of photographs was taken along the Hondondo Creek Nature Trail in Alamo Heights on Monday, September 9, 2013.