Hackberry

Celtis occidentalis

Illustration: Hackberry (Celtis occidentalis) warty bark and drupes

Identification: Tree with unmistakable WARTY, corky-ridged bark; small dark purple-black drupes with a thin sweet pulp over a large seed.

Dangerous look-alikes: No toxic look-alike with the warty bark.

Edible parts: Ripe drupes (pulp around the seed).

Season and habitat: Fall–winter (persist on tree). Bottomlands, prairie stream corridors.

Preparation: Eat fresh off the tree — date-like sweetness; or pound whole (pulp + seed) and use the meal. A survival food that hangs all winter.