Wood: The wood resembles that of elm, but
has wider sapwood and distinctive yellow
streaks. The wood is ring-porous, coarse-textured and hard. It is relatively
weak, compared to oak and maple, and is thus of limited importance. It is
used for inexpensive furniture, millwork, sporting goods, and veneer for
plywood and containers.
Wildlife: Large fruit crops are regularly produced, making this a favorite food of robins, cardinals, flickers, cedar waxwings and other small birds, who help to distribute the seeds. Game birds like grouse, turkey and pheasant, as well as mammals like raccoons and squirrels feast on the fruit.
Horticulture: This is the largest landscape tree of the genus. Although it withstands drought, poorly-drained soils, and urban conditions, it is, however, not suitable as a street tree because it is susceptible to damage by wind and ice storms. This species is useful for conservation plantings in sites too wet for conifers. The vase-shaped or rounded crown casts good shade and the growth rate is moderately fast. The hackberry is suited for use as a shade tree in parks and large areas.
