Hackberry

Hackberry nature journal time!

We had a great time talking about the ways this plant benefits our world. In November last year I noticed an abundance of hackberries and service berries around our parks. I made a mental note that we would spend time during the fall harvesting some of “Nature’s Candy” for our nature journaling class.

While researching this fascinating tree I learned some super cool science information about cork, insect galls, and the superfood of hackberries!

The cork growth on the hackberry tree is sometimes called the “Grand Canyon” on trees because of how the growth looks like the layered rocks of the Grand Canyon! Cork is important to all trees for protection and insulation, but the hackberry cork growths are unique!

The galls found on the leaves are the nipple gall psyllid insects – they look like a miniature cicada. (And I don’t have to tell you why the gall got it’s name )

The other cool term we learned with the hackberry was the fungus that can damage the branches called “Witches’ Broom.” It is a powdery mildew and mite infestation that causes the branches to grow disfigured.

I made a “hackberry milk” for everyone to try – blended from hackberries, water, and then I added spruce syrup and cinnamon! It was a yummy taste – the texture is a little like flax seeds so if you are not a fan of that you might not like hackberry milk!

Some websites to learn more about hackberry can be found here:
https://emilyhan.com/how-to-make-hackberry-milk/
https://foragerchef.com/hackberry/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2zluYDZZwiY
https://www.youtube.com/shorts/Io1O1wb_hh4
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n5fMz5C8ARI