Hackberry
Celtis occidentalis
Although resembling the elms (Ulmusspp.) in general appearance, the hackberry is diverse in form and smaller in size. These traits are favourable for ornamental planting. Fruit are consumed intensively by birds and for this reason, the tree retains the nick-name "bird cherry". Commercially the wood has little value however the bark when separated into its component fibers can yield thread suitable for use in rope and matting.
As you cross over the road to the next tree, take note of the two sugar maples (Acer saccharum) to your left. The road you are now crossing is called Founder's Avenue. On 27 and 28 April 1881, twenty-seven sugar maples were planted to honour the founders of Queen's University and each sapling was planted by a relation or friend of each founder. Sir John A. MacDonald, although no longer Prime Minister, was believed to have taken part in this ceremony, since he played a major role in the establishment of Queen's College.