Dwarf Hackberry

Celtis tenuifolia 
 
A rare and protected species in Ontario, found naturally only in the Grand Bend Pinery on Lake Huron and the Pelee areas of Lake Erie. This member of the Elm family is a low, scraggy shrub with abundant, divergent short branches. Tiny white flowers appear in late spring. In the fall, small orangy-brown edible berries are produced. Nursery propogated only. Dwarf hackberry occurs in areas that experience extreme drought allongside with other rare species of plants. It is host to several rare insects, including beetles that have only recently been recognized in Canada.