Dwarf Hackberry is an uncommon to rare shrub or small tree of rocky habitats, most common over basic rock. Common Hackberry (Celtis occidentalis) is similar, but is a larger tree generally found in wetter areas that has slightly narrower leaves that are more regularly toothed at the base. Dwarf Hackberry are often cordate (heart-shaped) at the base, while those of Common Hackberry usually are not.

Caswell Co., NC 5/30/10.

The leaves are much broader, more heavily toothed, and more sandpapery above than Sugarberry (Celtis laevigata), which is a common large tree of wet habitats.

Caswell Co., NC 5/30/10.

Same leaf as in photo above, with my hand for scale. The leaves on saplings like this can be fairly large.

Caswell Co., NC 5/30/10.

Orange Co., NC 4/15/2012.

Unripe drupes (dark green) with leaf galls (yellowish-green).

Orange Co., NC 4/15/2012.

Unripe drupes.

Granville Co., NC 5/8/2012.

An example of toothless leaves.

Granville Co., NC 5/8/2012.