Species pignut
Green leaves on green stalkswith yellow-green nuts hanging on the brown branches.

pignut

Carya glabra

Also Known As - Black Hickory,Broom Hickory,Smoothbark Hickory,Sweet Pignut Hickory,False Shagbark Hickory
The pignut (Carya glabra) is amazing for its ability to grow in a wide variety of soil types and in sun or shade. Its edible nuts are encased in hard thick shells that are difficult to crack, with a sweet flavor that is likened to butternuts and hazelnuts. The pignut is also valued for its wood, which is of moderate strength, yet tough and durable. It is a valuable timber tree for furniture production. Birds also enjoy the pignut nuts for their high fat content, making it a great food source for wildlife. The pignut is truly an amazing species.

Cycle:

Perennial

Watering:

Average

Propagation:

Seed Propagation,Layering Propagation,Grafting Propagation,Cutting,Division

Hardiness Zone:

4 - 9

Flowers:

Yellowish-green Flowers

Sun:

Full sun,part shade

Soil:

Clay, Loam

Leaf:

Yes

Leaf Color:

green

Growth Rate:

Low

Maintenance:

Low

Drought Tolerant:

Yes

Salt Tolerant:

Yes

Care Level:

Medium

watering

When watering a plant species called Pignut (Carya glabra), it is best to water it deeply and infrequently. Water the plant once every 2 weeks during periods of active growth, or about 1 to 2 inches per application. Doing so will ensure that the moisture will penetrate deep into the soil and get to the plant's roots. During the growing season, check the soil at the base of the Pignut plant weekly to determine if it needs more water. If the top few inches are dry, water the plant until the soil is saturated. During the winter when the plant is dormant, water less frequently; every 3 to 4 weeks should be sufficient.

sunlight

Pignut (Carya glabra) thrives in areas with full sun to part shade. To provide optimal conditions for growth, pignuts require at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. When grown in the appropriate amount of sunlight, pignuts produce an abundance of foliage. However, when grown in too much shade, the plant may be more susceptible to pests and diseases. Additionally, too little sun can inhibit the production of fruits and nuts. For best results, plant pignuts in a location that gets full sun in the morning and partial shade in the afternoon.

pruning

Pruning of the Pignut (Carya glabra) should be done in late spring or early summer to promote healthy new growth. Pruning should be minimal, focusing on removing any dead, diseased, or broken branches, as well as any crossing or inward-growing branches, to promote tree health and prevent disease. Pruning should leave the frame of the tree natural, without stunting or producing dense foliage. If only limited pruning is required, it is best to leave the shady canopy of the Pignut mostly intact.

Season

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

Pignut trees typically start flowering in April or May.

Hardiness Map