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    Florida 4-H Forest Ecology

    Florida 4-H Forest Ecology

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    • Sugarberry

    Sugarberry

    Celtis laevigata
    Family: Cannabaceae

    Natural History

    sugarberry-full
    Leaves of sugarberry | Photo credit: Chris Evans, Illinois Wildlife Action Plan, Bugwood.org

    The sugarberry is also known as sugar hackberry, hackberry, and Mississippi hackberry. Sugarberry can be easily recognized by its bark, which is covered with wart-like bumps. The leaves of the sugarberry contain allelopathic chemicals. As they fall and litter the ground around the tree, these chemicals inhibit nearby seed germination and growth of many other plant species.

    For many years, this tree was thought to be in the elm family because of the general "elm-like" appearance of the leaves. Recent DNA analysis has shown, however, that these trees are more closely related to hemp (Cannabis sativa) and should be placed in that family (Cannabaceae).

    Section Topics

    • Habitat and Range
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    • Human Use
    • Identifying Characteristics
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    Florida 4-H Forest Ecology
    P.O. Box 110410 Gainesville, FL 32611-0410
    (352) 846-0547

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