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Common Hackberry vs Prairie Sky Poplar
Celtis occidentalis
Populus x canadensis Prairie Sky
The Common Hackberry is a medium-sized deciduous tree that resembles the American Elm but is immune to Dutch Elm Disease. They are versatile and can adapt to a variety of growing conditions.
It produces purple-red, berry-like fruit with a large seed in the center. Both the sweet flesh, which tastes similar to dates, and the crunchy seed are edible. The fruit remains on the tree throughout the winter, offering a valuable food source for birds and other wildlife.
The Common Hackberry can also be a great addition to a pollinator garden. The tree itself is a host for the larvae of several butterfly species and the flowers provide a source of pollen and nectar.
Prairie Sky Poplar is a fast-growing columnar hybrid poplar developed at Agriculture and Agri-food Canada's Morden Research Station. It is adaptable to many soil conditions and seems to do best in the southern-most parts of the prairies.
Good as a shade or shelterbelt tree, it is often used in buffer zones as a visual screen or hedge. Ideal for lining properties, roads, etc.