Species bitternut hickory
Green foliage, and brown branch and green nut.

bitternut hickory

Carya cordiformis

Also Known As - Swamp Hickory,Pignut,Pignut
The bitternut hickory (Carya cordiformis) is an amazing species of deciduous tree that is found primarily in eastern United States. Noted for its hardiness and improved adaptation to extreme weather conditions, these trees are renowned for their strong wood, and their popular use as lumber in many applications. As an ornamental tree, the bitternut hickory provides a strong aesthetic appeal with its dark golden leaves and dark grey bark. Its fruits, known commonly as "hickory nuts," are a favorite of many wildlife species and are known to draw in a variety of animals and birds. The bitternut hickory is a remarkable species that is perfect for any landscape.

Cycle:

Perennial

Watering:

Frequent

Propagation:

Seed Propagation,Seed Propagation,Seed Propagation,Grafting Propagation,Air Layering Propagation,Cutting

Hardiness Zone:

4 - 9

Flowers:

Green Flowers

Sun:

Sun, Partial Shade

Soil:

Loamy Rocky

Fruits:

Fruits Ready In Fall

Leaf:

Yes

Leaf Color:

green

Growth Rate:

Low

Maintenance:

Low

Drought Tolerant:

Yes

Care Level:

Medium

watering

Bitternut hickory (Carya cordiformis) should be watered once a week, or when the soil is dry to a depth of about 1 to 2 inches. The best way to check the soil is to insert your finger into the soil about an inch deep. You should water the hickory deeply until the soil is thoroughly soggy but not saturated. Too much or too little water can cause damage to the tree, and may result in stunted growth or even death. Overwatering and soggy soils can even cause root rot.

sunlight

Bitternut hickory trees prefer full sun, with at least 8 hours of direct light each day for best growth. However, they can tolerate partial shade, too. During the warmer months, bitternut hickory trees should receive direct morning and afternoon sunlight. During the winter months, the tree should still receive some sunlight, but the amount should be decreased to as little as 4 hours per day. In addition, the tree can benefit from light reflected off of any nearby objects. This can help increase the total light received each day.

pruning

Bitternut hickory (Carya cordiformis) should be pruned minimally and carefully. It should only be pruned if a branch is dead, damaged, diseased, or rubbing against another branch. Prune any dead, broken, or cracked branches at any time of year, as well as any diseased branches or branches that are rubbing against another branch. For aesthetic purposes, pruning can also be done during the dormant season, from late fall to early spring. Rejuvenation pruning can be beneficial as the tree matures; selectively remove some large branches that are crossing or too close together. It is also important to thin out any competing branches that are too close to the dominant leader so the tree can grow straight and tall. Prune inner and lower branches, keeping the lower part of the tree open, as this can help reduce disease. Avoid large-scale pruning of this tree as too much can make it susceptible to shock and drought.

Season

Fall
Winter
Spring
Summer
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Harvest Fruit

Harvesting of bitternut hickory fruits typically begins in late summer, usually in August or September.

Starts Flowering

Bitternut hickory typically starts flowering in April.

Harvest Fruit

Harvesting of bitternut hickory fruits typically begins in late summer, usually in August or September.

Hardiness Map